Class Action

Marcos Devilboy wrote on IMDB:

There are three great actors in this film, Hackman, Mastrantonio and Laurence Fishburne, and they alone make it worth watching. There just isn't enough excitement in the plot, about a father and daughter squaring of as lawyers on opposing sides of a class action lawsuit, and its as if the writer mailed in his contribution along with Michael Apted, the director. Neither of them seemed to be excited to do the work and consequently it's hard to get very excited viewing it. I wouldn't recommend it because there is so much else out there that has more to offer in the way of stakes and excitement. The truth is I can hardly find the motivation to write about it. Not even a rental.

Joe Franke wrote on IMDB:

As a fan of Hackman, Mastrantonio, and courtroom drama, I thought this might be another overlooked chestnut that might repay viewing. Well, I enjoyed the film thoroughly - but it was not really courtroom drama. So if that is what you're looking for, go elsewhere. People are in courtrooms, and there's some cross-examination, but that is not the core of the movie. The core is a story about a father-daughter relationship, and the ups and downs that the relationship can take. Criticized for being 'predictable' or 'smarmy', I found it to be a warm and occasionally humorous take on a plot that may have been presented before, but certainly bore presenting again, and I enjoyed the film very much.

Apted's directing is effective, though never innovative. The actors are all good - in fact, it is to their credit that they made simple lines and dialogue so effective. Hackman, of course, as always,is the professional he always is, and in Mastrantonio he has an actress who can take his words and put her own spin on them. Supporting cast is very solid, the music is early James Horner (good, but again nothing brilliant), setting and atmosphere were both average.   [ show more ]

Overall, not a movie for a guy and his girl to watch, but a great movie for that girl and her father to watch. It would've been a great all-rounder if the drama had been in the court-room... [ show less ]

Michael O'Keefe wrote on IMDB:

Some deep soul searching will aid in facing your personal demons. But you still have a job to do. This movie is entertaining, but predictable. The excellent acting redeems the whole thing. Father(Gene Hackman) and daughter(Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) lawyers become adversaries in a lawsuit against an auto manufacturer that has knowingly produced cars that explode when rammed from behind. Both stars exhibit their skills to the hilt. Laurence Fishburne and Joanna Merlin provide notable support. This father and daughter relationship provides some heated moments and animated reactions. Their banter gets a little tiresome, but it is needed to make the movie work. You be the judge and jury.