And Justice For All (1979)

Let’s Get Legal Movie #3  (I really wanted to include this in my 2012 tribute to Al Pacino, but I only acquired a copy earlier this year). 

Synopsis: It’s basically two hours of blah-blah-blah before Pacino does his big “You’re out of order, you’re out of order,this whole trial is out of order” speech. 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “In a criminal justice system where criminals go free, lawyers and judges make deals as a matter of routine and the innocent sometimes go unprotected, young lawyer Arthur Kirkland begins to wonder where the justice has gone.” 

What Did I Learn?: If a work colleague invites you to take a ride in his personal helicopter, and you’re about 90% certain he’s passively suicidal, don’t go. Seriously, don’t go. 

You Might Like This Movie If: You want to see the scene led to this parody. 

Really?: Leaving aside the absurdity of a lawyer betraying his client in open court (see: “Synopsis”), I had trouble believing the relationship between Arthur (Pacino) and Fleming (John Forsythe) would be so one-sided with Fleming calling all of the shots.

Rating: And Justice For All is a smart, well-written, and often-funny courtroom drama with a very interesting cast of performers. Pacino delivers an impassioned performance, but Jack Warden steals the movie as Judge Rayford, the loveable-yet-slightly-nutty jurist with a knack for finding great views of the city. Highly recommended. 9/10 stars. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078718/?ref_=nv_sr_1