True Believer (1989)

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

Highly Overrated But Still Good

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Idealistic law student Roger Baron (a solid and likable performance by Robert Downey Jr.) gets a job as an assistant to his hero Eddie Dodd (superbly played with wired intensity by James Woods), a former radical 60's hippie civil rights activist turned cynical and disillusioned hack who ekes out a living going to bat for scumbag drug offenders. Dodd regains his faith and passion for his profession after Baron persuades him to take on an eight-year-old case involving wrongfully convicted killer Shuu Kai Kim (an excellent portrayal by Yuji Okumoto).Director Joseph Ruben keeps the riveting story moving along at a brisk pace, builds plenty of suspense, and makes fine use of gritty New York City locations. Wesley Strick's smart script tackles such weighty issues as redemption, abuse of authority, and deliberate miscarriages of justice done as a means to an end for serving the "greater good" in a bold head-on manner. The terrific supporting cast further ensures that this picture hums from start to finish: Margaret Colin as spunky private investigator Kitty Greer, Kurtwood Smith as hard-nosed district attorney Robert Reynard, Tom Bower as insane rattled witness Cecil Skell, Miguel Fernandes as tough and wormy ex-con Art Esparza, Charles Hallahan as sickly burn-out ex-cop Vincent Dennehy, Luis Guzman as fearsome felon Ortega, Misan Kim as the distraught Mrs. Kim, and Graham Beckel as the corrupt Detective Sklaroff. John Lindley's sharp cinematography provides an impressive polished look. Brad Friedel's dynamic jazzy score hits the stirring spot. Moreover, the electric presence of Woods and Dodd's deep-seated need to have a worthwhile cause in life give this film a tremendous amount of extra charge and resonance. An on the money winner.

Edward Dodd (James Woods) is a run-down lawyer who no longer shines the way he did 10 years ago. Back then he was writing history, saving the Black Panthers and stuff of the like. Now he protects drug pushers and street peddlers. Nevermind what excuses he finds for this gradual decay of affairs, for a skilled speaker and lawyer Dodd never ceases to be - this can be seen even as he defends crooks. Roger Baron (Robert Downey Jr) arrives to clerk for him and realizes the idea he had of Dodd no longer suits the reality of the man. Thus he proceeds to ask him to take a prisoner case.This courtroom thriller has all that kind of movie should have; we see a well-crafted pace that keeps you tied to your seat, the kind of acting from James Woods that is hard to find nowadays, Robert Downey Jr also dons the recently-graduated idealistic law student to a tee. The film is reminiscent of a John Grisham novel. Margaret Colin as Kitty Greer is also great. In fact, every actor in this flick does a better-than-average role. Lacking in cheesiness, having the proper pace, the kind of twists that make it just a little less than predictable, and good acting plus a nice mix of occasional black-and-white flashbacks with the present and an original score by Brad Fiedel (Terminator, Terminator: 2) that fits the pace perfectly make for a movie that is clearly lacking in recognition.Highly recommended thriller, 8/10.

This is a very well done court room drama that is based on an actual case from actual liberal left wing attorney, J. Tony Serra. James Woods plays the fictionalized version of Serra, under the name Eddie Dodd. Robert Downey, Jr. plays Roger Baron, a young idealistic lawyer that comes to clerk for the once famous Dodd- with dreams of defending civil liberties and making a difference. He arrives only to find the once rebellious and justice minded Dodd defending drug addicts and drug dealers. One evening a young Korean woman & lady come to his offices looking for help. Her son was sent to jail 8 years ago & is now accused of murder because of a prison fight that resulted in the death of a member of the Aryan army. Despite the fact it's not his area of "expertise," Roger convinces Dodd to take the case. For Dodd, this case, this young man, Shu Kai Kim played very well by Yuji Okumoto, represents so much more than just another case. Dodd himself is looking to reclaim his own enthusiasm, freedom and hope. The District Attorney is played very reliably by Kurtwood Smith (poor guy- pre "70's show" he always seemed to play a bad guy.)The main reason I like this movie are the actors. Yes, the story is somewhat predictable- but there are some turns that make you doubt who is innocent & who is guilty on first viewing. James Woods' performance in this movie is one of his most versatile and enjoyable. He transitions with ease from humorous sarcasm to an almost raw vulnerability. One of the best scenes is one in which he tells his client, "I know you're innocent- even if you've forgotten." After 8 years in prison, Shu isn't the same man he was when he went in. Just as Dodd tells Roger at the beginning of the movie that 10 years is a lot of time- in other words, despite his shinning past as a defender of civil liberties- he has also changed. Cynicism is something that creeps stealthily into everyone as age and time increase. In the movie "And Justice for All" they delve into the difficulty of being a defense lawyer & having to defend people you may know full well did a heinous crime of some sort. This has to change a person and that is part of what this movie is about. All the other actors, including Margaret Colin as the PI Kitty Greer, are believable and supply good support for the main character of Dodd. This is basically Woods' show, and that's okay with me since I'm a big fan of his. He was also fabulous in "Salvador" but then I think he is fabulous. If you like Woods, you'll like this movie I think - if you like a good story, I think you'll like this movie.

Absolutely one of the best movies I've ever seen. Woods has the uncanny ability to make you feel like your witnessing an event first hand versus some other actors strategies of mustering up some half-baked emotion to match the script. Watching Woods in this film is like watching someone who is being filmed while they're all alone but they don't realize that a camera is on them. The movie is extremely action packed and moves at lightning speed. Also rather complex. I had to watch it twice to really soak it all in but loved every minute of it. After watching this movie I understood and agreed with Bette Davis when she said that James Woods was the best actor in Hollywood. All the other actors did a great job. They seemed to feed off of Woods fanatical high energy and roll with the flow.