The Client (1994)

The Client, against all logic, combined a number of dubious plot elements into a fairly entertaining thriller. The mid-'90s ushered in a glut of John Grisham adaptations that were at best guiltily entertaining (The Pelican Brief) and at worst deathly dull (The Chamber). The Client falls firmly into the former category, thanks in large part to a great cast and the straightforward direction of Joel Schumacher. When not trying too hard (Falling Down) or barely trying at all (Batman & Robin), Schumacher can keep a story moving along nicely. He's in fine form here, leading a cast in which even the minor roles are filled out by terrific actors. Similarly, the best Grisham-inspired films seem to be those with the least ambition. Without the capital punishment hand-wringing of The Chamber or the superficial racial politics of A Time to Kill (also directed by Schumacher), The Client counts as a minor but decided success. Susan Sarandon even manages to carve out a highly memorable role, playing a character whose difficult past informs her every choice. It may be more than the film needs, but it's a welcome contribution nonetheless. ~ Keith Phipps, All Movie Guide