A Murder of Crows

Rating:
Summary: Don't Miss This One
Review: This was a story about a lawyer named Russell Lawson (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) who realizes his client is guilty of murder so he causes a stir in the trial and ends up getting disbarred. He tries to be a writer, but isn't having any luck actually writing anything. One day he meets an old man and they quickly become friends. The man gives him a manuscript to read, which he said he wrote, called A Murder of Crows. It's brilliant. When Lawson goes to return it, he discovers that the man has died from an apparent heart attack. With no known family, he decides to keep the manuscript, place his name on it, and submit it to a publisher. It's an instant success, but he's arrested for murder when a detective reads the book and recognizes the descriptions as being of murders that were actually committed. He realizes that the details in the book would only be known by the actual killer. Obviously, we know that Lawson didn't commit the murders, but who did? That's what this movie is about. There are numerous twists and turns in the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The ending is probably a little too neat, but I still recommend this movie highly to anyone who likes suspense.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly Well Done
Review: A MURDER OF CROWS redeems Rowdy Herrington and Cuba Gooding Jr. for every bad film they have ever made, and combined... that's a lot of bad films.

MURDER revolves around a disbarred lawyer who scams his way into a success, but, through a devious plot twist, becomes the main suspect in a string of brilliant homicides. The script by Herrington is absolutely involving. It's detailed, well paced, and very smart. Despite a few goofy or cheesy lines, which are pretty much due to bad acting in certain parts, the script is solid.

The direction is as haunting as it should be in this type of film and Herrington really turns up the suspense. His slow shots or disoriated handhelds are in the right places, and it only adds to the tenseness of the story.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is completely fascinating in this role. He gets into it all the way and makes you believe him, even in the most incredible scenes. Tom Berrenger, however, does not fare as well. Even though he proved in the past that he was a decent actor, he slips a bit, and some of his lines are given like he was reading them off of cue cards. However, he's good enough that it doesn't distract from anything else, and in some scenes, he's excellent. The supporting cast, including Marianne Jean Baptiste and Eric Stoltz, is very good and only adds to the film. Stoltz is smarmy and oozes charisma and Baptiste has a very soothing, sweet, grandmother-type air about her. They are the best they could be.

Overall, A MURDER OF CROWS is a highly overlooked film that should be scene by lovers of suspense. The guessing game that is involved throughout the story doesn't make you feel stupid, but it doesn't give much away either.

Rating:
Summary: CUBA AND THE CROWS
Review: What's right with this movie:
*A well paced director, Rowdy Herrington
*A good supporting cast in Marianne Baptiste and Tom Berenger
*An unusual if flawed plot
*Steve Porcaro's wonderful score
What's wrong with this movie:
*Once they establish Gooding as the killer, why doesn't he as a lawyer, ask the big question: where's the physical evidence? Did they bother to check his alibis?
*Cuba Gooding's performance lacked the strength and gutsiness one would expect from this character. He also does some incredibly stupid things, and while he is a good actor, he really seems to do better in more comedic roles.
All considered, though, it's an entertaining and underrated thriller.

Rating:
Summary: Two thumbs up!
Review: This movie stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. as a defense attorney who has suddenly had an attack of conscience and betrays the trust of a client, ultimately causing him to lose his license to practice law. He travels to Florida to write a novel and finds out writing novels are a lot harder than he expected (I can vouch for that. I am writing a novel myself, but in the past year I have come a lot further than six pages, which was where Gooding was in the same amount of time).

While in Florida, he meets an old man who gives him a copy of a book he is writing for an opinion. The book was "brlliant." When Gooding takes the book back to the old man, he finds out the man has past away. So he takes credit for writing it, gets it published and finds out that the murders that took place in the book really happened and now he is wanted for murder.

The cast delivered excellent performances, especially Gooding.

It will make you think twice about taking credit for something that you did not do.

This movie comes highly recommended.

P.S. Please read my other reviews.

Rating:
Summary: ...bottom of the trash barrel with this one...
Review: utter garbage. If you want a sex movie this is for you. If you want good acting this movie is not for you. "THE BEST MOVIE EVER"????? ... ...THIS MOVIE IS A RIP-OFF. When I read that review after watching this movie I sat in disbelief...Its like seeing someone hit by a car, and then watching all the witnesses run after the driver to make sure he knows what a swell citizen he was for running over that pedestrian...???!!!

plot was decent enough, but had some stuff that didnt make any sense. I agree with another reviewer that Gooding is much better than this movie shows. He just seems weirded out and uncomfortable in it. BUT, maybe that was part of his character? I guess if you think this a agreat movie you will give the actors the benefit of the doubt. I CANT. I have never scene such a movie that comes off as if the actors are giving screen tests...IT WAS a very uncomfortable movie to sit thru. I DONT BELIEVE ANY OF THE ACTORS IN THIS MOVIE EVEN KNOW HOW TO hold a cigarette. THE CHESS GAME WITH BERENGER/GOODING IS PATHETIC. I was waiting for one of them to wave the smoke away from there eyes. They looked so uncomfortable. Although, Berenger was one of the better actors in the movie. Mark Pellegrino was also pretty good.

The box is also a major culprit in selling this junk. If it wasnt for the mention of key west and new orleans, AND WHAT THE PLOT COULVE BEEN, this movie would hold no interest for me. I considered my money wasted on it. It would have been good if the film company listed why the R rating, just like other companies in the late 90s and early 00s have done. True the ratings are not always accurate, but it probably would have referenced the sex scenes. sex scenes were tossed in without any rhyme or reason. maybe i am helping to sell this flick, but maybe some people care to know in order to avoid. I wasnt expecting a R-rated child's movie, but I didnt expect to be treated like one either. Why amazon thinks "a second chance" is necessary for this lousy flick is beyond me. The voice overs are in fact a "plus" not a "minus", in some instances. ALSO, WHATS WITH THE FRONT COVER PHOTO? IT DOESNT RELATE TO ANYTHING IN THE BOX. OH, BUT IT IS MENTIONED UNDER EACH FACE "ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE". Lets remember it wasnt for "Murder of Crows" shall we.

Experiment if you want...rent/buy it if you want... but at least I tried to warn ya. I cannot conscientiously recommend this movie to anyone. I was going to give it one star, but the plot had such potential, and combined with talented acting could have been so much more, I coughed up another one. On second thought, I think I have been cheated fair and square. so its back to one star. plain & simple. THE UTTER BOTTOM...BOTTOM OF THE SEA WITH THIS ONE.

I guess actors have to eat, but its amazing what they will do for money. I am not any different than they are...what a scary thought that it could happen to me too...I really was left cheated after this flick. ...

Rating:
Summary: The BEST movie ever made
Review: Although my family is of Cuban origin I was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. Many people will know this small town as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright in the world, ever. I also believed this, until I saw this movie, sorry Shakespeare, your time is up, give up your throne. The writer of this movie has got it 'goin' on!'. This movie has more twists than a 'Curly Wurly'(Which FYI is a particularly twisty English chocolate bar), has some of the best acting I have ever seen on screen and the directing is flawless. This movie never came to the cinemas in England and I am currently petitioning the local multiplex to show the movie, even just for one showing, so I and countless others can marvel in its beauty.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining--just don't think too hard about the details!
Review: I enjoyed this film. But, I must confess that there were some major holes in the plot. The best way to enjoy this film (in my opinion) is to not think too hard, and not expect too much. Then you'll enjoy it just fine. There's plenty to enjoy.

I've always liked Cuba Gooding Jr. ("Snow Dogs") and he is very affable in this film. You can't help but root for his character, even after he does something really, really dumb. The motto "Pride cometh before a fall" certainly applies in this movie, and Gooding's character suffers dearly for it. He should have realized this simple wisdom--don't try to take shortcuts with certain things. They'll only come back to haunt you later. And they do for him.

Even though the credits list Tom Berenger as one of the main stars, he's actually got more of a supporting role. But he does just fine in his part as a grouchy policeman who is on the tail of Gooding Jr. for a crime he didn't commit. Eric Stoltz does well as a sleazy rich guy--those clean cut good looks conceal a really creepy character.

I found this to be an all-around entertaining movie, but it does have plot holes, so don't expect too much. Cuba Gooding Jr. fans will particularly like this movie, since it showcases his talents quite well.

Rating:
Summary: New Orleans Noir
Review: Cuba Gooding, Jr. plays Russell Lawson, a black defense attorney in present day New Orleans, Louisiana. The film opens on Lawson, who is having an epiphany regarding his perception of his job and the people he defends. The camera picks up a red-faced devil walking deliberately through the Mardi Gras-packed streets and the metro party that is in full swing. The devil pays a visit to Lawson, pulling out a pistol and preparing to kill him when he hears Lawson tell the judge that he wants to pull out of the current case he's trying. Thurman Parks III, Lawson's client, only that afternoon admitted that he killed the lap dancer he's accused of murdering. The next day, Lawson destroys his legal career, throws away his future, and crucifies his client on the witness stand. In only a short time, Lawson is a fishing charter captain in Florida. He meets an old man who gives him a novel about the murders of five attorneys who used their skills to help killers go free. Later that day, the old man turns up dead. Having what he is certain is a bestselling novel, Lawson rewrites the book, claims it is his own, and becomes an overnight sensation and millionaire. Then he's arrested because the murders in the novel were all based on the murders of prominent attorneys. Lawson becomes part of a cunning cat-and-mouse chase that keeps the viewer glued to his or her seat.

Cuba Gooding, Jr. has been in dozens of movies and has been an outstanding actor. Writer/Director Rowdy Herrington has also written STRIKING DISTANCE and ROAD HOUSE, both action flicks known for cunning little plotting loops. Although only in the movie for a short time and never completely living up to his past potential, Tom Berenger plays the NOPD homicide cop that chases Lawson down. Eric Stoltz plays the positively smarmy lap dancer murderer.

A MURDER OF CROWS stands out as a suspenseful thriller. Enough twists and turns exist within the movie to keep even the most jaded thriller fan on the edge of his or her seat. Conventional double-crosses only set the viewer up for plot twists and turns that throw monkeywrenches in even the astute thriller fan's pre-conceptions of how the movie is going to turn out. Although the acting performances are good, the thing that really drives the movie is the plot. The action is tight and the pacing moves along quickly. The literary and philosophy clues will catch the eye of a student of both or either, and plays fairly with the viewer on those accounts.

One aspect of the film and the plot that rankles somewhat is the fact that the ultimate villain is completely hidden from view. Also, Lawson's ability to move around in plain daylight while a massive manhunt was underway for him takes an effort to suspend the disbelief. How Lawson and Dubose linked up would have been nice to see because that came out of left field at one point. The movie was more about the plot twists and turns than about the way Lawson survived financially, but those aspects would have tightened up the viewing experience a little.

A MURDER OF CROWS is great movie for the thriller/suspense fan who likes a little whodunit? in his or her viewing experience. People who liked TWILIGHT, SPY GAME, THE GINGERBREAD MAN, OCEAN'S ELEVEN, or SHATTERED will enjoy this movie as well.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie, lousy transfer
Review: This is an interesting mystery with Cuba Gooding Jr., and Tom Berenger. They do nice jobs of playing a corrupted lawyer and a good cop. Gooding after causing the mistrial of his guilty client, is disbarred and tries to write a book to get by at a home he inherited from his father. He is tempted by a book offered to him to critique by an elderly man that dies shortly after that. What ensues takes many twists and turns that keep you guessing. It is ashame the transfer from the film to DVD was done in such a poor manner. Sterling Millenium Series should be avoided if this is the type of DVD quality they produce. I have purchased many movies that were 30 or more years old that were a much better transfer (e.g. The Vikings). If it was not such a great movie I would have sent it back.

Rating:
Summary: Croaked it out
Review: A Murder of Crows--I had never heard of this movie before renting it, and I had no idea why. I know now though. Sure, it's a good cast on paper. But, having arguably the worst performance of a bright career by Gooding, and just bad casting overall, it really took its toll on an interesting and thought provoking plot.

To some, this film was predictable. But to me, it was total opposite. I don't know, maybe I'm just brain dead, but there were some major zigs and zags.

The movie did drag somewhat during the investigation scenes, but overall, the pacing and directing were quite good. The last 20 or 30 minutes though were definitely worth sticking around to see. Maybe taken half heartedly by some of the actors, but it didn't "murder" the movie. 3 Stars