​FILMS

the trials of cate mccall

2015 review number 99:

The Trials of Cate McCall: (Drama): 68 out of 100: This 2013 production was such a flop in its test run in overseas markets that it bypassed DVD and went directly to TV in the USA. That's a bit harsh considering that it's mostly an entertaining drama, albeit one that doesn't always gel with the combination of family drama and courtroom suspense.

 

Cate McCall (Kate Beckinsale) is a hotshot lawyer who is on probation for a DUI offence. As part of her redemption and reinstatement to the bar, she must take on the appeal of a young woman, Lacey (Anna Anissimova) who has been sentenced to jail for life without parole for the murder of another woman. While proceeding with the court case which has Justice Sumpter (James Cromwell) as its judge, Cate must also deal with the break-up of her family with her ex-husband seeking sole custody of their daughter due to Cate's drinking habits. Nick Nolte playing a character named Bridges rounds off the main cast as an assistant to Cate McCall.

 

Beckinsale is the star of the movie. She is convincing as the mother/lawyer torn between her personal life and professional goals. It's hard to believe that it's been more than 20 years since her film debut and she's still looking as gorgeous as ever. Nolte ably supports her but there are times when his gruff voice might grate on your nerves. Cromwell plays the judge with conviction although there are times when he delivers dialogue which seems far-fetched for a courtroom. Anissimova is someone I'm not familiar with and she convincingly displays her range of emotions although she occasionally mumbles some of her lines when she becomes overemotional.

 

It's not until the 30 minute mark when events become interesting. The first half an hour sets up the scenario and there are some scenes that are a tad underwhelming where you wish there would be an injection of energy and dynamism. When the story heats up, so to does the vibrant interaction between the characters.

 

The plot covers a fair bit of ground with the custody battle coming across as melodrama but it is essential to allow the viewer to explore the way Cate feels and operates as a lawyer. I would have preferred the story though to concentrate on the court proceeedings as it would have made for a more exciting and dynamic film.

 

There are worst movies that are given a cinema release in the US. This isn't the best courtroom/family drama ever made but it is an entertaining diversion.

 

Starring Kate Beckinsale, Nick Nolte and James Cromwell

(93 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, sexual references and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZ2ANo2ICI (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 8th July, 2015)

 

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