Inclubabu
Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.
Stoutor
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Wizard-8
Although the core premise of "Reasonable Doubt" has been done in various ways over the years, it still could have worked with enough good writing that threw in some well executed twists. However, the story as it is does not manage to engage the viewer that much. In a movie like this, you really need to feel the screws slowly tightening on the main character. But for over two-thirds of the movie, the main character does not seem to be under a lot of pressure, almost treating his situation as it was a minor inconvenience. Even when things eventually start to turn bad for the character, actor Dominic Cooper is so underwhelming that you don't care one way or another. The script is quite bad at times, having some plot twists that are kind of hard to swallow, and also having a story that's so thin that there are over 10 minutes of closing credits to try and pad out the movie to a normal running time. The ending of the movie, where it's very unclear of the eventual fate of Cooper's character, is the icing on the cake. The movie has professional production values, so at least it's nice to look at, at least if you are not driven asleep by the slow and passionless story. It's no surprise that Telefilm Canada (the nation's main feature film funding agency) backed this film, since they have traditionally made poor choices as to film projects to fund.
scottjtepper
The three main characters are a serial murderer, a corrupt DA and the DA's paroled unofficial step brother who's also become a perjurer to help the corrupt DA in his pursuit for "justice." What's not to like?Pretty much everything. The plot is preposterous with the DA embarking essentially on a life of crime. Of course the courtroom scenes take place only moments after the crime occurs. Basically, you get arrested and the next day you are in court, before a jury, being tried for that crime. Yeah. That's how it always happens. (The baby in the film, played by a lifeless doll, never ages.) Setting aside the courtroom scenes, the DA goes from drunk driving and felony hit and run to breaking and entering on at least two occasions. One of them being the least guarded police facility in the known universe. Yeah, believable. And what was the DA going to do with the evidence he illegally uncovered at the serial murderer's place? But there was a full time cinematographer so that must be good, right? Nope. The film was shot in bleak Winnipeg, which is supposed to be a stand in for Chicago. That doesn't work either.Two reasons why you won't want to waste your time. First, I read that the film sat in the can for 2 years while the producers tried to figure out how to release it. Was it released so that the investors wouldn't sue them? I don't know. Second, the director was so proud of this film that he made sure his name wasn't used in the 11 minute credit roll. Well, at least the director wasn't Alan Smithee and the star of the film George Spelvin.
niccolini50
In spite of the negative reviews, I decided to buy this movie as I am a great admirer of Samuel L. Jackson. I was deeply disappointed. The scenes are all so dark that you cannot even see his face, the D.A. is unappealing and, all considered, you are not swept in the plot. Yet, the story might have been presented beautifully.
cybersix-59366
Another winning performance from the brilliant Samuel L. Jackson. This one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. For me, this had it all...just the perfect amount of intrigue, suspense and nail-biting moments. I was drawn in right from the start. A job well done by the director and cast. Samuel always plays such an amazing bad-ass! I recommend giving this one a viewing...at least once. I never experienced a dull moment throughout the entire movie. Being a HUGE fan of Samuel...call me biased, but he, in my opinion delivers top notch performances in this type of role. He took this role and ran with it...ditto for his performance in Lakeview Terrace.A must-see....2 thumbs up!
