The Devil’s Advocate Review

Eschewing the current trend for CGI by the bucketload, director Hackford convinced Pacino to star by steering away from the effects-laden monster movie of original conception to a more classic struggle, with a villain so old school he's practically the headmaster. There's hell to pay for hotshot lawyer Kevin Lomax (Reeves), who's lured by the big bucks/flash pad seduction of a top firm, and ups sticks for NYC with wife Mary-Ann (Theron) in tow. Also into the bargain comes the rather warm mentorship of fiery-eyed boss John Milton (Pacino), but despite obvious pointers (constant furnace motifs, "odd things" happening), Lomax fails to suss that Milton's "firm" extends a lot further than the office block, and traditionally has need for large toasting forks. Such implements, however, are not required when the levers of power, sex and prestige can turn a human soul — the film taps into recognisable, viewer-friendly desires. Likewise, Pacino's Dark Prince is wily, lusty and persuasive, but ultimately quite a subtle version of a scheming Old Nick. That said, he wildly over-acts towards the end, but by this stage it's both appropriate and hugely enjoyable and Reeves is just about up to the job as the straight foil.