The Devil's Advocate

The start is slow, and the ending is unexpectedly bad compared to what we've seen so far and how the film seemed to be shaping up towards what should have happened at the end. However, the acting performances, particularly dominated by Al Pacino, are simply good. Keanu Reeves was perfectly suited for this role, but in comparison, it's clear just how great Al Pacino is. Some scenes here are absolutely great, for example, the one in the subway or the opening scene in the courtroom. (25/09/2014)

Originally, I gave it only four stars, but upon further consideration, I decided to add one more because alongside a very good screenplay, which navigates the mysterious genre in an original way, the film also boasts top-notch casting and amazing performances. Al Pacino excels in the role of the ruler of hell. Keanu Reeves reaches his acting peak, Charlize Theron shows that she's not just a pretty model but also an excellent actress, and Connie Nielsen is beautifully corrupt in her supporting role. Overall impression: 90%. (18/06/2006)

Superb thriller with a brilliant demonic performance by Al Pacino. The story develops slowly and I even doubted that the advertised supernatural element would appear at all. Fortunately, halfway through things begin going in right direction, Satan shines, Charlize Theron is impressively crazy and Keanu Reeves is pretty good, too. I can imagine it 30 minutes shorter, but doesn’t matter, it still fun as it is. 9/10 (21/05/2010)

This film has four big assets: Al Pacino, whose portrayal of the Devil is unique, Charlize Theron, who’s even better as a woman falling into madness, great music by James Newton Howard, and an interesting and novel plot. Keanu Reeves does his best, but he's no match for the first two. Excellent thriller. (13/04/2003)

Who would have believed after the slightly tired intro that I would be so enthusiastic at the end? After each viewing, I look forward to watching it again, already expecting that the beginning will seem better in the context of the rest of the story. It starts off so innocent, but that's when the biggest surprise comes, when the story starts to pick up pace and the atmosphere thickens to the point where you're anticipating a jump scare with every shot. It's no wonder, director Taylor Hackford knows how to create very disturbing moments (a brilliant and dark sexual scene) and inserts contrasting mysterious visual and audio snippets into innocent moments. However, it is difficult to judge how successful it would have been without the actors. Keanu Reeves, in fact, delivers the best performance of his career and thanks to this film, Al Pacino has definitively become an incomparable acting chameleon. (25/08/2006)