Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Devil’s Advocate’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​We all work hard toward perfection in some form or fashion. Be it in our hobbies, the sports we play or our careers, we are always working toward that moment when everything comes together and is truly everything we could have envisioned or hoped for.

Perfection is rare, but it has been known to happen. But what if perfection was achieved over and over again? Would it mean that we have become a master of that which we work to achieve, or are there other forces at work, helping us to be everything we dream of? Both of those questions are answered in a unique and creative way in the horror film, The Devil's Advocate. 

Kevin Lomax is a lawyer who simply cannot lose. Doesn't matter whether or not his client committed the crime, or whether or not defending said person should force him to reflect upon his conscience, he wins case after case. In fact, he is so good, he has attracted the attention of a high-powered law firm in New York City, led by the mysterious John Milton. Milton wants Kevin to work for his firm and Kevin obliges so that his star can continue to shine. But Kevin will quickly learn that this firm is not all that it seems and unfortunately, by taking this gig, he has managed to make a deal... with the actual devil.  

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The Devil's Advocate is a fascinating film because of the fact, it's a surprise horror film. But we will take a little time to talk about that later because the first thing that completely catches your eye about this particular film, is that it is loaded with some incredible names and amazing performances. Al Pacino is top notch in this flick and does a great job of making John Milton seem cool and suave to stay in line with the film’s constant twists and turns before letting loose in amazing fashion with his acting chops in the last twenty minutes of the film when he reveals his true identity as the Prince of Darkness. In fact, really, he's the big draw to this film, but Pacino is anchored by some other quality performances. Keanu Reeves holds his own as the level-headed Kevin Lomax, and you feel for him as the film progresses as you begin to realize as well that something is amiss and this poor kid is nothing more than a pawn and Charlize Theron steals the scenes she appears in as well, especially with her downward spiral into madness and unfortunate end in the film. 

Now as I mentioned before, this is a surprise horror film and that's what makes it so fascinating to watch because this film plays you like a fiddle. You honestly believe at first that this is a morality tale about a lawyer who has lost his way and appears to be joining up with a firm that looks like the perfect job and perfect place to work but ends up being as sleazy a place as they come. That is until the first demon shows up and then...well, it's a dark tale revolving around sin, free will and the Book of Revelation and quite frankly, how our quest to be perfect in everything we do may indeed be our biggest downfall. 

Fact is, it's a damn good movie and one that you have to watch several times to catch all the many layers that it has to offer. I only recently saw this again after seeing it when it was released, and it surprised the hell out of me with how well it's held up and how smart and terrifying it really is. Catch it again if you get the chance, you won't be disappointed.  

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