THE CHAMBER Review On "Violent Maniac's Cage"

CHAMBER, THE

(1996, USA)

DIRECTED BY: James Fogey.

A film that is surprisingly better than the book by John Grisham (I'm sure Grisham fans will disagree). Much of this was helped by the presence of Hackman who can sometimes get himself a great role and work with it. Chris O'Donnell plays a young lawyer who chooses to defend his grandfather (Hackman) against the death penalty. Hackman was involved with the KKK and helped them blow up a building in which two children were killed. O'Donnell tries to get the details on the case himself and gets in a closer grandson relationship with Hackman.

The film works well as an entertaining mystery/drama type vehicle with some substance. Best Grisham adaption besides A Time To Kill. I really liked the performances in this even pretty boy O'Donnell did a stand up job. Some may think it's O'Donnell trying to copy off Tom Cruise in The Firm but who would want to copy off such tripe. This is not another Dead Man Walking (which is a good film) either.

Rating: 3 ½ Skulls

Review by: Richard J. Taylor

Email: rtaylor@roadrunner.nf.net

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