Based on a amalgam of true stories, this film is slick, but empty in its understanding of truth as it relates to its characters. Some terrific actors (Lithgow, Shalhoub, etc.) get to waste their talents portraying one-dimensional sleazebags. Travolta is fine in detailing the obsession the lawyer he portrays deals with in trying to do the right thing. Kathleen Quinlan has a terrific high-impact turn in a supporting role.
But, A Civil Action is never truly credible because it relies on well-trod and untrue-ringing plot contrivances instead of thoughtfully exploring the real underlying issues. Many friends compared this to Julia Roberts's Erin Brockovich. Unfortunately, this is a lot closer to the equally conspiritor-obsessed mess known as The Pelican Brief. Overall, I found a Civil Action to be extremely disappointing.
But, A Civil Action is never truly credible because it relies on well-trod and untrue-ringing plot contrivances instead of thoughtfully exploring the real underlying issues. Many friends compared this to Julia Roberts's Erin Brockovich. Unfortunately, this is a lot closer to the equally conspiritor-obsessed mess known as The Pelican Brief. Overall, I found a Civil Action to be extremely disappointing.