Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a remake of a 1956 film noir; it's a film I haven't seen, although I'm sure that it's better than this incarnation. Not that this film doesn't have some entertainment value, although you'll have to put your suspension of disbelief skills in fifth gear in order to really enjoy it. Michael Douglas, in an extended cameo, plays a corrupt Louisiana DA who seems to be planting DNA evidence to gain convictions. His goal is the Governor's mansion, and based on his record as DA, he's the favorite. Jesse Metcalfe plays an investigative reporter for a local TV station who suspects what he's doing, and he sets out to prove it by framing himself for murder. Yes, you read that right, anything for a story. Amber Tamblyn plays a young assistant DA who's involved with Mr. Metcalfe's character, and since love is obviously more important to her than job security, she eventually decides to help him. Mr. Douglas does his usual professional job in his small role, and actually isn't onscreen enough to make a real impact. The rest of of the actors do a serviceable job, and honestly, I did "get into" the story as it moved on. In any event it's no surprise that this film was released in the "dumping ground" that usually follows close after Labor Day.

Rating - 2 Stars