Claire Kubrik (Ashley Judd) is a high powered attorney who though she knew everything about her husband, Tom, until he is arrested for crimes he committed in El Salvador, whilst a member of a Special Forces detachment.

Claire vows to defend her husband, but being uninitiated in military law she recruits ex-marine Charlie Grimes (Morgan Freeman) to her cause. For all his legal knowledge, Grimes has a reputation for being something of a loose cannon and a reformed alcoholic to boot.

And this is where you get the feeling you’ve seen it all before, although its rather well shot and some of the action scenes are well presented you do feel that the direction is running to a script.

That’s not to say that Judd and Freeman don’t generate some good atmosphere between themselves and you get the feeling that they are obviously enjoying the experience of the film. Both put in good solid performances (as you would expect) and they try to get as much from their roles as possible. There’s not much in the way of support, especially from Jim Caviezel (as Claire’s husband) but both Adam Scott and Amanda Peet put in some great turns with more than a little sweet romance.

Don’t expect anything new here, but this is never the less a good solid thriller adventure film and is well worth checking out.

Underrated. Well worth watching
Review date: 2005-09-27 Rating: 8 out of 10

I would like to contradict a number of other reviews posted about this film. Although I have not actually read the book, I thoroughly enjoyed watching High Crimes. To be fair, I was watching it as a late night TV movie, but I still found it gripping and compelling, the acting was very well done and the plot, if exceptionally cliched, was exciting stuff, and I found myself glued to it for the duration.
The basic idea of a lawyer defending her husband over a crime he supposedly committed in a hidden former life as a marine may seem soppy and over romantic, but, I think the film far exceeded the bounds of its plot. The flashbacks, twists and reveals were carefully timed and gave the plot a great momentum.
When the final reveal was thrown in with the ambidextrous murderer at the end, I was quite taken aback, even though I had suspected that person all along.
I have just two complaints. The first is, yes, I'll give it this, it is very cliched and not to everyones taste, but I don't think that particularly harms the movie. Secondly, the end is dragged out a bit after the exciting finale. We didn't REALLY want to know what happened to the characters afterwards. Other than that, great film.
Probably not worth buying, at least not for more than a fiver, but if its on telly, watch it. And, if you want a gripping thriller to rent, definitely consider this.
8/10

HIGH CRIMES
Review date: 2005-01-18 Rating: 2 out of 10

THE STORY WAS TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT FROM THE BOOK WHICH WAS REALLY A PERFECT GRIPPING STORY AND HAD A WONDERFUL TWIST TO IT.
MANY PARTS OF THE BOOK WERE CUT AND THE SUBSEQUENT STORY HAD NO BEARING AT ALL TO THE ACTUAL BOOK.
I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN ALL AS AFTER READING THE BOOK I SAW THAT A FILM HAD BEEN MADE AND ORDERED IT IMMEDIATELY.
I SUGGEST DONT READ THE BOOK THEN THE FILM MAYBE GOOD, BUT AFTER BOOK YOU WILL BE SADLY DISAPPOINTED

Above Average
Review date: 2004-06-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

Lawyer Claire Kubik (Judd) lives a picture-perfect life in San Fransisco with her husband Tom. One day when the couple are shopping, Tom is arrested and charged with the murder of some civilians in El Salvador while he was serving in the Marines. Now Claire must find out the real truth, which may not support "innocent" Tom...

I am a great fan of Ashley Judd and I have enjoyed most of her films (Double Jeopardy, Kiss the Girls) and I was over-all pleased with High Crimes. The plot twists up and down and really keeps you guessing. Although it may have a few clichés (Bugged Phones, Corrupt Officials), High Crimes really did impress me. Morgan Freeman gave a so-so performance, with quite a few good lines. Overall, a decent thriller with a twisting plot.

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