THE DEVIL’S OWN

(director: Alan J. Pakula; screenwriter: David Aaron Cohen/Vincent Patrick/Keven Jarre; cinematographer: Gordon Willis; editor: Tom Rolf/Dennis Virkler; music: James Horner; cast: Harrison Ford (Tom O’Meara), Brad Pitt (Rory Devaney), Margaret Colin (Sheila O’Meara), Ruben Blades (Edwin Diaz), Treat Williams (Billy Burke), George Hearn (Peter Fitzsimmons), Mitchell Ryan (Chief Jim Kelly), Natascha McElhone (Megan Doherty); Runtime: 111; MPAA Rating: R; producer: Lawrence Gordon/Robert F. Colesberry; Sony Pictures Entertainment; 1997)

“An engrossing but disappointing big-budget political suspense film, that never becomes exceptional.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

An engrossing but disappointing big-budget political suspense film, that never becomes exceptional. Alan J. Pakula(“Klute”/”Sophie’s Choice”/”All the President’s Men”) directs from a screenplay by David Aaron Cohen, Vincent Patrick and Keven Jarre.

A notorious IRA hitman (Brad Pitt) from Ireland goes to NYC to purchase Stinger missiles, while sponsored by a sympathetic to the cause American judge (George Hearn). He lodges with a peace- loving family-man veteran Irish cop (Harrison Ford), who is unaware of what he’s up to. The narrative focuses on these two opposites, who bond at first. It builds in suspense until its bloody shoot-out climax has them on opposing sides.

Rumored production problems, an unhappy Brad Pitt wanting out and numerous script changes, work against the handsome but bleak film.

REVIEWED ON 3/23/2016 GRADE: B-   https://dennisschwartzreviews.com/