Like all the other films based on a John Grisham potboiler, Runaway Jury is a hit-or-miss affair. This one tries to be both a thriller and a courtroom drama, with only mixed results. One thing this disc definitely does have in its favor is Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman, working together for the first time in their careers. That alone makes this disc worth checking out.

Two years after her husband is killed by a disgruntled psycho, his widow sues the gun manufacturer for negligence. Representing her in this potential landmark case is Wendell Rohr (Dustin Hoffman), an seasoned and idealistic attorney. Aiding the gun company's defense is ruthless consultant Rankin Finch (Gene Hackman), who specializes in jury tampering; using an crack staff and high-tech gadgetry, he digs up dirt on potential jurors, and uses the information against them if they don't vote in favor of his client. What neither side counted on is Nick Easter (John Cusack), who is selected as a juror for the trial, but has an agenda; with the help of his girlfriend, Marlee (Rachel Weisz), Nick offers to sway the outcome of the trial to whichever side pays them ten million dollars. Obstacles in his case (namely, a vital missing witness) have Rohr facing a moral dilemma in deciding whether or not take them up on their offer, while the arrogant and contemptuous Finch uses all his resources to destroy them investigates the backgrounds of these two, using any means possible, legal and illegal, to hamper their efforts. Runaway Jury is decent enough (technically proficient and well-acted), but not without its numerous flaws. There isn't a hell of a lot of character exposition, making it difficult for us to identify with anyone, even after we learn of the motives behind their actions (Cusack and Weisz are sort of wasted). There are numerous gaps in plausibility, which would be okay if the story itself was compelling enough; I think the big problem here with that is the movie tries too hard to be too many things. Those expecting high courtroom drama will be disappointed, as little of the film actually takes place in a courtroom. Even then, not enough exposition is given to the case for us to feel much is at stake (too bad, since the issue of gun control is so hotly debated). The movie also tries to be a suspenseful, paranoid thriller. Some of those scenes work well, but their effectiveness relies heavily on the viewer's willing suspension of disbelief. But Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman rescue this film, as they've done with so many others. The movie really crackles along when either one of them is onscreen. Hoffman brings a sincere earnestness to Rohr, generating a lot sympathy from the viewer, despite a lack of characterization. As for Hackman...I have always thought he was most effective in villainous roles, and he's at his calculated, icy best, here. The two only really share one scene together, but it's a stunner; their encounter in the courthouse men's room is equal to DeNiro and Pacino's coffee shop scene from Heat.

Runaway Jury is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The picture transfer is quite good, typical of most modern Fox releases. There aren't any noticeable blemishes or scratches. The movie's soundtrack is also given a good transfer, too. Presented in 5.1 Dolby Surround, the tracks are well-balanced, with no distortion. French and Spanish 2.0 tracks are also included.

Apparently, the folks who put together this batch of extras are well-aware of the appeal of this disc, so a good portion of the special features are dedicated to Hoffman and Hackman. Numerous featurettes include the two discussing their history together, as well as their characters in this film. Another great segment analyzes their one big scene together. The stuff featuring these two acting titans is great, though sometimes it seems like Hackman can't get a word in without Hoffman interrupting. Also included is a full length audio commentary by director Gary Fleder, which is pretty good in fits and starts, some (understandably) deleted scenes and a trailer for the upcoming Denzel Washington film, Man on Fire. Now that I think about it, I enjoyed the extras more than the movie itself.

Similar Films: The Firm, The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, The Client, 12 Angry Men, The Juror, Enemy of the State Useless Trivia: Gene Hackman must really like John Grisham movies, since he's appeared in three thus far. The other two are The Chamber and The Firm. Summary: Despite the myriad missed opportunities, Runaway Jury is compelling enough time killer, and worth at least the price of a rental for the verbal exchanges between Hackman and Hoffman. Being as I gave up on Grisham's novels after The Pelican Brief, I can't tell you how good of an adaptation this film is, but there are worse ways to spend a few hours.