"Mistrial" tells of a highly improbably story of a cop caught in the jaws of an imperfect system who goes over the edge and holds a courtroom hostage. Good work by Pullman can't save a mediocre screenplay and ludicrous lagging story with some good acting talent in scripted mannequin roles. Very ordinary low budget made-for-tv yawner.
6 Reviews
Mistrial a Misfire
arthur_tafero27 October 2018
Pullman does not make a convincing cop; sorry. He is the Leslie Neilson of the 21st century; he belongs in satire and comedy. After a while, Neilson stopped playing dramatic roles and did strictly comedy; Pullman should do the same. The story is a lower case version of The Negotiator, a much better film, starring Samuel Jackson, and with a much bigger budget. This wasn't horrible, but Pullman is no Jackson, and there was not nearly the tension of Negotiator. The supporting cast is not too bad; Loggia does a good job, but it is not enough to save this made for TV film.
The Road That Leads To The Truth
dk7774 April 2022
An interesting film that at first glance seems like just another crime story, but is actually much more complex than that.
It shows us how a man can break under the burden of injustice and hypocrisy.
In the story, we follow Detective Steve Donohue who tries to find the killer, and after he arrests a suspect to whom all the evidence points, but under the pressure of the media, the perpetrator could get away. The story well illustrates what can happen when the rule of law is abandoned and the rule of the mob prevails.
We see how it is possible to persuade and manipulate people to believe something that is not true, and injustice is sometimes so great that people simply break down and take the law into their own hands.
The media is often not interested in facts, but in sensationalism, and this is a very good example of that. The film is well directed and the acting is excellent.
Bill Pullman has excellently portrayed a character who definitely has flaws, but beneath that is someone who just wants people to know the truth. Although his actions are wrong, they unfortunately make sense. This is what makes this film so interesting and complex.
An interesting and complex film that is definitely worth watching.
It shows us how a man can break under the burden of injustice and hypocrisy.
In the story, we follow Detective Steve Donohue who tries to find the killer, and after he arrests a suspect to whom all the evidence points, but under the pressure of the media, the perpetrator could get away. The story well illustrates what can happen when the rule of law is abandoned and the rule of the mob prevails.
We see how it is possible to persuade and manipulate people to believe something that is not true, and injustice is sometimes so great that people simply break down and take the law into their own hands.
The media is often not interested in facts, but in sensationalism, and this is a very good example of that. The film is well directed and the acting is excellent.
Bill Pullman has excellently portrayed a character who definitely has flaws, but beneath that is someone who just wants people to know the truth. Although his actions are wrong, they unfortunately make sense. This is what makes this film so interesting and complex.
An interesting and complex film that is definitely worth watching.
Great Movie
sgtcrm122 December 2014
I watched this when it aired on HBO and told everyone I knew to watch it for themselves. I don't normally recommend a movie or TV show unless I am really blown away. Today I was talking about Bill Pullman and found myself chatting about this flick as one of my most memorable and favorite films. My friend wanted the name after my review but I couldn't remember. I knew IMDb would list all film appearances. I read the three reviews and absolutely disagreed with one of them, so; I thought I'd add my take on it. This movie had me talking and sometimes yelling at the TV. This is a gripping tale that will give you much food for thought about our legal system. Great acting, good script and as on point in 2014 as it was when it first aired. I say watch it.
Bill Pullman Excellent In A Rare Leading Role
brandomarlon200327 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
"Mistrial" was an HBO movie that was aired on cable late in 1996. Bill Pullman and Robert Loggia reunited for this film after both starring in "Independence Day" the same year. Pullman plays a police detective who busts a criminal played by Jon Seda on a murder charge. The case goes to trial but Seda's character is found innocent. Enraged by the verdict, Pullman's character holds the jury members at gunpoint and forces them to reexamine the case until they get the verdict right. This is a very well-acted film and gives Pullman one of his few leading roles (unless you count "Serpent and the Rainbow"). Loggia also gives good supporting work as Pullman's captain and concerned friend. Jon Seda is also effective in his role as the slimy killer (who the story lets you know is guilty but alas with society and its red tape still gets found innocent of the charge). What Pullman's character does is wrong but the film definitely lets you empathize with his motives. It points out an interesting question: Does it take committing an act of violence to get our courts to prosecute someone else also guilty of an act of violence?
Strong lead performance by Pullman in a compelling film.
Brad K.16 January 2000
Bill Pullman (Independence Day, While You Were Sleeping) stars as a police officer who takes over the courtroom where an accused cop-killer is going to be let free because the evidence he collected is in-admissable. Jon Seda (Selena, Sunchaser) plays the accused cop-killer. The film gains most of its strength from the two main performances, especially Pullman's. Always a likeable actor, Pullman creates a flawed character who is in way over his head. Seda gives a very good performance also. Highly recommended.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
