Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense Grisham-based thriller is well cast but talky.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Pelican Brief
What's the Story?
Based on the novel by John Grisham, THE PELICAN BRIEF follows the story of Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts), who gets more than she bargains for when she allows her law prof/boyfriend (Sam Shepard) to show a buddy in the FBI her paper presenting theories on the recent murders of two Supreme Court justices. Before too long, everyone who reads her "Pelican Brief" is bumped off. Some crooked powers that be decide Darby knows too much and should be killed too. Only Washington reporter Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington) can save her by exposing the villains.
Is It Any Good?
Grisham is known for delivering great big, bloated political thrillers; at 141 minutes, it shows in this mightily involved thriller. The Pelican Brief is low on colorful villains and memorable visuals and loaded with grim, grey scenes where characters are doing research or having conversations. The actors are well cast and effective. Viewers will appreciate the fact that the complex plot isn't dumbed down, though it's a rather disappointing letdown of a film from director Alan Pakula, who made the classic All the President's Men.
Due to its lack of onscreen violence, sex or nudity, the film is a good choice for families who like political thrillers with a minimum of adults-only features. However, the action is relatively slow-paced, the plot is complicated, and the characters are very talky, making this movie a bore for younger kids or those who require a lot of whizz-bang to stay interested.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that political thrillers dramatize events that could have happened in real life. Conversations on the role of the whistle-blower, and the responsibility of citizens to speak up when they see wrongdoing, might also be sparked by this movie.
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 17, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : August 22, 1997
- Cast : Denzel Washington , Julia Roberts , Sam Shepard
- Director : Alan J. Pakula
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Independent
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 141 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : momentary language and some violence
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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