A Murder of Crows

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: 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

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: Great Film
Review: An interesting look into the minds of lawyer

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: 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: One of my favorites
Review: Did you know that a group of crows is called a murder? This is a fascinating movie that delves into the minds of lawyers and the thin line between right and wrong. Allows you to glimpse what it is like to be on both sides of the law and just how much your moral fortitude can be tempted. Highly recommended. Curl up with this movie.. bring soda and popcorn because you won't want to get up.

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: Excellent Thriller
Review: I enjoyed this movie very much. Cuba Gooding, Jr. was outstanding in the lead role, and the plot was original enough to take and keep my interest. I would recommend this movie highly to anyone who likes simply enjoyable films. Two thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: A thriller for the true thriller Fan
Review: I had a chance to view this movie a few weeks ago and I have to say that this film tickled my every fancy. I love thrillers and this picture truly captures that style of story telling. A murder of Crows is a masterfull paice of work directed by Rowdy Herrington (Road House,Jack's Back,Gladiator). Rowdy Herrington writes an amazing screenplay and should get much attention from this incredible script. Cuba Gooding Jr. is outstanding in his role of the disbarred lawyer. Tom Berrenger ads spice to an already wonderful cast. Fantastic production value for the budget. I hear the budget of this movie was 7 million. The producers should be proud.