I love a good thriller. I’m a huge fan of Hitchcock, De Palma and Fincher. Each of them has demonstrated a distinct ability to create atmospheric tension with their respective narrative styles. That said, I’m well aware that not every filmmaker can live up to the standard set by these iconic creators. And that’s OK. I also enjoy engaging in escapist cinema to unwind and give my brain a rest. It’s like the difference between fine dining and a convenience meal. Both serve an important purpose. While you probably wouldn’t reach for a Hungry Man meal to treat your taste buds to something exquisite, you probably wouldn’t reach for a Hungry Man meal to, Even the most dedicated cook needs something quick and easy from time to time. And that is exactly why I find Peter Howitt’s thriller valuable Reasonable doubt.
The film follows Assistant District Attorney Mitch Brockden (Dominic Cooper), a man from humble beginnings who has now risen to fame. After a night of drinking with his buddies, Mitch goes against his better judgment and drives home drunk. On the way back home, Mitch is involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident. Clinton Davis (Samuel L. Jackson), a car mechanic, is accused of the crime and Mitch is put in charge of prosecuting it. Mitch struggles with his conscience and gets the charges dropped. But what if Davis really is a murderer?
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Films like Reasonable doubt offer little substance but justify their existence by entertaining. As much as it may be frowned upon by purists, I wholeheartedly maintain that we need cinematic comfort food. In my opinion, it is acceptable for films to use mostly established cliches as long as the result is entertaining. After all, those cliches exist for a reason. Even the most hackneyed conventions can be very effective under the right circumstances. Howitt recognizes this and makes the most of the material, delivering an entertaining and often brutal performance.
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. One critic compared the thriller to two or three episodes of law and order Another said the focus should have been more on the main character’s desire to distance herself from her past and less on genre clichés. Both criticisms are justified. Reasonable doubt does feels a bit like a TV movie and doesn’t have much depth.
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Anyone who looks past the film’s flaws will find that the tension level quickly reaches the point where you get carried away. The way things change and get worse for Mitch has a cumulative effect that had me fidgeting in my seat. Admittedly, you do have to connect with the character to get the most bang for your buck. But Dominic Cooper is serviceable in his role as Mitch and manages to be relatable. The character is a bit of a jerk. But it’s clear that he loves his wife and child, and his relationship with his stepbrother is portrayed quite poignantly.
As Mitch gets to the point of being lovable, it becomes painful to watch him tango with a calculating killer who gets his kicks from playing with his food. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a solid performance as the predator. As Clinton Davis, he is calculating and ruthless. He exudes a sick complacency that makes it almost impossible not to understand Mitch’s fate. Mitch has his faults. But he’s not a monster. The same can’t be said for Clinton.
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The tension between Clinton and Mitch reaches a boiling point in the third act. We see Mitch escape from custody in a desperate attempt to save his wife from certain death. The editing and score make the film’s final moments harrowing and intense. It may not be the first time we’ve seen such a premise, but Howitt makes the most of it, delivering a highly watchable finale that’s guaranteed to get the blood pumping.
Although you shouldn’t watch Reasonable doubt with the expectation of reinventing the wheel, this is a great choice for a night in with a bag of popcorn. If you’re dying to watch the flick, you can stream it on Starz as of the publication of this post.
Categorized: Editorial
