Review

Strong performances and a particularly compelling and textured story line combine to make this the best screen adaptation of a John Grisham novel to date. Similar in tone and theme to the classic To Kill a Mockingbird, A Time to Kill stands very much on its own as an enthralling entertainment and a powerful examination of race relations. In a star-making performance, McConaughey plays a white Southern lawyer who defends a black man (Jackson) on trial for murdering the men who raped his ten-year-old daughter. Unlike Mockingbird, the guilt of the defendant is never in question; instead the story focuses on the culpability of a prejudiced society and the morality of the crime -- all under the guise of exciting and even eloquent courtroom drama. Heading a good ensemble cast, the handsome McConaughey is splendid in his first starring role, a potent combination of passion, idealism and sensitivity; and Jackson gives a finely layered portrait of rage and decency. This is very nearly great filmmaking -- only director Schumacher's less-than-fluid transitions minimally mar an otherwise terrific endeavor.