Runaway Jury (2003)

My Review

Gene Hackman portrays a shady jury consultant in the riveting legal drama “Runaway Jury.” He matches wits with the plaintiff’s attorney, but when it is revealed that an independent “runaway” juror and his girl friend have the power to influence his fellow panelists, the movie takes some unexpected twists and turns. Director Gary Fleder (“Don’t Say a Word” 2001) put together quite an engrossing legal thriller, with few dull moments in the film’s 127 minute running time. It is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by John Grisham.

Gene Hackman delivers his usual captivating performance in his penultimate film. (His final movie would be released in 2004 called “Welcome to Mooseport.”) Co-stars include John Cusack as the runaway juror, Dustin Hoffman as the opposing attorney, Rachel Weisz as the girl friend, Bruce Davison, Jeremy Piven, Nick Searcy, Cliff Curtis, Nestor Serrano, Jennifer Beals, Nora Dunn, Bill Nunn, Dylan McDermott, and Bruce McGill as Judge Harkin.

The very watchable “Runaway Jury” was a modest hit at the box office for Regency Enterprises and 20th Century Fox. It was filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana.