Devil's Advocate (1997)

Paradise Lost (Three-and-a-half-Stars)

Did anyone notice that the Satan's name in this entertaining-but-flawed flick is Milton, and that the marble reliefs which come to tantalizing life on Al Pacino's wall also allude to the great English poet's masterpiece?

I feel that "Devil's Advocate" has some good material, including touches of humor, some stunning cinematographic effects, and the performances by Ms. Theron and Al Pacino, who chews the scenery with such devilish panache that he dominates Keanu Reeves (but perhaps that is the point). And while the film, which combines legal ethics (or the lack of them) with the "Rosemary's Baby" genre, held my interest from start to finish, it did not quite come together--whether because of choppy editing or the "Dallas" option that precedes the ending, I am not certain. I did find the actual ending, however, to be wickedly ironic.

Nevertheless, "Devil's Advocate" is by no means a complete loss of time for the viewer, although it may represent an opportunity lost on the part of the writers and the director. September 15, 2008

Devil's Advocate

How can anything with Pacino be bad? Captured my attention and kept me interested. Could watch it over and over again. September 5, 2008

A collection of wild moments

Now this is a popcorn movie! Where else can you see a virtual clearinghouse of prestigious actors, engaged in ultimate camp, with real elements of horror at work. Al Pacino literally gnaws at the screen, Keanu is consistently convincing, while Connie Nielsen is just insanely attractive, off-the-charts hot. Plus a cameo by Caprice Benedetti and an interesting, compelling and creepy role for Craig Nelson. Some of the devilish sentiments are truly wild, plus there's plenty of menace and mounting horror. It's a matter of taste, but my god, when you think of some of the lame garbage that passes for entertainment these days, this is a masterpiece. But for those with higher standards, it is still a big bag of wicked fun and something you have to see. August 31, 2008

Horrible!

Yes, this is a horrible movie! It starts out in realism, pretty much like THE FIRM begins and then degenerates into the most collosally absurd fantasy I have ever seen! It makes no sense whatsoever, and to hear Al Pachino sound off the Devil's "lofty" harangue against God was tediously long and super nauseating. And the ending? Forget it! reductio ad absurdum. Save your money and pass this one by--FAST!!! Unless you love being tortured by a devil-may-not-care story. May 17, 2008

"I've nutured man, despite all his imperfections, I'M A FAN OF MAN!!!"

This is a fantastic movie. Al Pacino doesn't get the credit he deserves. He was amazing as Satan. Keanu Reeves was good and Charlize Theron is gorgeous.
Keanu Reeves is a Florida district Attorney who is recruited by a big law firm in Manhattan. Kevin (Reeves) accepts the offer and he and Mary (Theron) move to a very exclusive building where most of the lawyers from Milton and his partners firm. Mysterious happenings start to set in and Kevin's mom suspects why. Later on Kevin figures out that John Milton (Al Pacino) is both is father and Satan. Milton needs him to create the Antichrist. Kevin falls into Miltons "trap." Did he dig himself too deep?

The movie leads up to the great ending. Al Pacinco makes memorable moment in the last 20 minutes of the movie ranting and raving. Will Kevin sell his soul to the devil?

The DVD includes deleted scenes which aren't bad but anyone who likes Al Pacino, a decent suspensful thriller will definately add this to their collection. April 2, 2008

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