Ashley Judd (Claire Kubik) movies, historically, have not been very good. History repeats itself once more. Do you remember how improbably unbelievable "Double Jeopardy" was (a similar Judd underachievement)? "High Crimes" is the reincarnation.
Initially, the movie is riveting. A loving couple, eager to have a baby, have their lives turned upside-down when husband Tom (James Caviezel) is hauled off in shackles by the FBI. Utterly confused, Claire soon learns of Tom's former, hidden life in the Marines. The man that she thought she married was really a stranger. For the rest of the movie, she untangles the twisted web of lies and deceit.
Sounds like an exciting thriller, eh? If you actually take the time to scrutinize the basic premise (as presented in the movie) of why Tom is being tried in military court, you'll realize that it never would have been there in the first place. I'm not even going to mention every little unrealistic pitfall that befalls Claire along the way. I can usually overlook the holes in a plot, but this movie's fragile structure falls apart.
I'll end my little tirade by exposing one sloppy act of filmaking: early in the movie, Claire's cycle is perfect for babymaking, and Tom happily obliges. They're "seriously" trying to have a child. Shortly thereafter, Tom and Claire are shooting pool in a bar. Claire is holding TWO bottles of Bud, presumably one for herself and one for Tom who is running the table. This would be ALMOST forgettable if not for the fact that, later in the movie, Charles Grimes (Morgan Freeman) offers her a drink. Claire's reply? "I'm trying to have a baby (or something along those lines.)"
Poppy, is a little sloppy... |
