The Bottom Line
John Grisham's best-selling novel tackled the tobacco industry however the movie version takes on guns. Why the change was made isn't as important as the fact that it works for the film. With outstanding performances by John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, and Rachel Weisz, "Runaway Jury" is a thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful film.
Pros
- Worth renting/buying just for the Dustin Hoffman/Gene Hackman bonus features
- The switch in subject matter from the tobacco industry to the gun industry works
Cons
- None worth noting
Description
- Deleted scenes
- In-depth look at Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman's first scene together
- Five 'Making of'-style featurettes highlighting different behind-the-scenes processes
- Optional commentary by director Gary Fleder
- 'Off the Cuff' - Commentary by Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman
Guide Review - "Runaway Jury" DVD Review
"Runaway Jury" stars John Cusack as Nick Easter, a man who is seemingly reluctant to sit on a jury hearing the case of a gun manufacturer being sued by the surviving spouse of a victim of workplace violence. Once placed on the jury, Nick's true plan of manipulating the verdict is quickly revealed. With the help of his girlfriend (played by Rachel Weisz), Nick soon has the prosecuting attorney (Dustin Hoffman) and the defense council's jury consultant (Gene Hackman) fighting a battle to maintain control over the 12 men and women of the jury.
While the film's good, the bonus features are even better. The long history between Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman allows both critically acclaimed actors to be less formal and have a little more fun discussing the movie than they might have otherwise. It's a joy to watch the two venerable talents discuss their long friendship and how they've never - until this movie - had a chance to do a scene together.
