Jagged Edge

It practically redefines "tawdry", but it is rather fun in places.

The best part of it was the possibility that it would turn out well in the end, but it just went stereo typical and boring.

Lurid trash masked by high production values and a terrific cast (with Close exceptional). Shares thematic and structural similarites with Eszterhas' later BASIC INSTINCT, though lacks INSTINCT's raw nerve to go right over the edge; Bridges also never seems quite comfortable with his character (possibly because his motivations are (deliberately) never really fleshed out). A pity that it ends with a whimper rather than a bang.

The acting is very top-notch and there's a lot to enjoy in the courtroom scenes, but ends up pretty run-of-the mill despite an interesting character development throughout.

Fun thriller, although it won't make you forget _Witness for the Prosecution_

Glenn Close gives a really good performance in this film. The script is well done, it keeps things interesting through the entire movie. Overall I would recommend this film.

I generally dislike Eszterhas' writing, and this film is no exception. I could see every twist coming about 10 minutes in advance, and Eszterhas' creepy misogyny is on display in his portrayal of Close as a strong career woman who suffers from weepy collapses in the court room when she gets the slightest hint that Bridges might be guilty. The actors are fine, especially Bridges in ultra-charming mode and Robert Loggia as the craggiest, drunkest investigator on the planet.

Routine thriller from the director of Return of the Jedi which feels like a test run for writer Eszterhas' later Basic Instinct. This starts in a similar sleazy vibe but quickly turns into a basic court room battle a'la an episode of Matlock. Close is good, Bridges likable and Coyote sure knows how to play an asshole prosecutor. Loggia is fine as well even though his role is a very cliched one.