The Pelican Brief

I haven't read this particular John Grisham novel on which this film was based, so I can't comment as to the film's faithfulness to it. I can surmise however that from reading other Grisham novels it "feels" like it might... Read more at imdb.com

This movie is based on a novel by John Grisham. John Grisham's movies are always based on and around lawyers and their ability to solve crimes. This story is about a law student who uncovers a conspiracy resulting in her... Read more at imdb.com

Some of things I really appreciated from this political thriller was (1) no sappy romance taking away from the suspense and story; (2) very little profanity; (3) a number of interesting scenes that kept your attention for the full 141... Read more at imdb.com

I haven't read this particular John Grisham novel on which this film was based, so I can't comment as to the film's faithfulness to it. I can surmise however that from reading other Grisham novels it "feels" like it might be... Read more at imdb.com

You gotta love Alan Pakula. His Pelican Brief is true to the source material but manages to complement it with artfulness learned from Hitchcock and the events portrayed in All The President's Men (also directed by Pakula).The result is a... Read more at imdb.com

I enjoyed this film very much. It is well acted, and has plenty of star power, with great performances from Roberts and Washington. The story is compelling, and the cinematography lends itself to excellent suspense. However, many moviegoers (including myself)... Read more at imdb.com

Take any John Grisham novel and have it brought to screen, written and directed by Alan J. Pakula (Sophie's Choice, All the President's Men. To Kill a Mockingbird), and add Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington as the leads, and you... Read more at imdb.com

John Grisham's bestseller becomes paranoia thriller directed capably by Alan J. Pakula. "Eager beaver" Louisiana law student Julia Roberts does some home research trying to connect the backgrounds of two Washington, D.C. Supreme Court Justices who were murdered; her theories... Read more at imdb.com

JULIA ROBERTS is a damsel in distress when she writes a brief, theorizing what and who was behind the murder of two Supreme Court justices. DENZEL WASHINGTON is the investigative reporter who sees some merit in her theory and reluctantly... Read more at imdb.com

Forget the plot holes. Forget the implausibility of the story. This is Grisham, the modern-day master of legal and political conspiracy and intrigue.This movie centers on one thing: the chemistry between the on-screen duo of Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.... Read more at imdb.com

With the two deceased justices leaving seats absent on the Court, the President (Robert Culp) must appoint two new replacements favoring his agenda. Two justices of the US Supreme Court are murdered: the elderly, ailing, liberal Rosenberg (Hume Cronyn), shot dead in his bed along with his male nurse in his home, and Jensen, garroted in a theater frequented by homosexuals; the FBI's security having failed to protect them. ... Full Review

Families that enjoy THE PELICAN BRIEF may want to check out The Firm , The Client , or The Rainmaker . The actors are well cast and effective. ... Full Review

But the film's failure is ultimately the fault of Pakula, who lets too many scenes run on too long, never allows us to get to know any of the characters very well - especially Roberts! In fact, the movie of "The Pelican Brief" is quite faithful to the book, and therein lies a large portion of its problems: Too many characters, too much plotting and not enough suspense to keep it all moving. ... Full Review