Ben says: Hoo ha. Well, I did enjoy this movie, but in retrospect it's not one I would have gone out of my way to see since it is quite the formulaic courtroom drama. Having said that, the principals all work together well (Oliver Platt certainly deserves more work typecasting him as a lazy sidekick), and Sandra Bullock seems to be progressing beyond the cheeky grin that has been her stock-in-trade so far. There were quite a few improbables in the movie (things I'm pretty sure John Grisham wouldn't leave lying around his novel) and all the loose ends were too neatly tied, but even so it was a gripping tale.I'm not sure I agree with what Matthew McConaughey said in an interview, that you didn't know whether or not he would win the case, I think that deep down inside everyone knows who'll win, but that isn't the reason anyone goes to see this sort of a movie anyway, but overall, I found A Time to Kill very entertaining.
Ben gives it: 
Fiona says: I'm going to give this film 10 stars for introducing us to the talents of Mr Matthew McConaughey, giving Samuel L. Jackson a starring role to get his teeth into and for making Sandra Bullock act. Yes, I know you thought it couldn't be done but, believe me, she does. I haven't read John Grisham's book yet but after watching the film I expect I shall make it my next paperback expedition. The storyline appeals to me because I think any of us in the same circumstances as the little girl's father - played admirably by Samuel L. Jackson - would do the same thing. That is to seek justice outside the law.
Several of the reviews I have read about this film have mentioned, in a whingey, whiney way, that many of the cast appear in little more than cameo roles. The problem facing a writer with a story of this size is how to fit all the parts of the jigsaw together without losing any important parts of the picture. The very nature of adapting a book to film format means that some loss of essence is inevitable. However I think Joel Schumacher has done a fine job with this particular venture.
There's no doubt that the film plays on the emotions of those watching it, almost forcing you to choose either black or white where in this instance black is good and white is bad. And why shouldn't it be? Go and see the film and be moved by the scenes towards the end of the it. Will the headstrong young lawyer win this historic case? Will the black community beat the crap out of the Klan members who gather outside the courtroom in spite of the heavy military presence? Will the defendant go home to his family or be sent to the gas chamber by the state prosecutor? Will I tell you the answer to these questions? No. Go and see this film.
Fiona gives it: 
last updated: 18th September 1996
