The Juror is a crime thriller released in 1996. On its face the movie appears to be just another one of the dozens of crime thrillers made in the same decade. But I would argue that this is not the case.
Not only does The Juror feature top-notch A-list talent (Demi Moore, Alec Baldwin, Anne Heche, James Gandolfini & Joseph Gordon-Levitt) but it’s also based on a book by the same name released one year prior. If you are a regular reader of this site then you know I have a reverence for movies based on books. I feel like they typically make for good viewing because source material is plentiful.
Anyway, besides being a movie about the mob trying to fix the jury in a criminal trial, it’s also about a hit-man’s preoccupation with the single mother juror he is assigned to manipulate. Things don’t go according to plan for any character in this movie. The one with the quickest wit and ability to adapt will be the last one standing.
Demi Moore is in her prime in this film and is gorgeous to look at on screen. Anne Heche is a sexy knockout. Alec Baldwin plays the creepy killer as well as anyone could. There really is nothing wrong with this film and it is entertaining from start to finish. Some folks might be surprised at the high score I assign to this movie but there really aren’t many flaws. The story, acting, directing and editing are all top-notch. I give this movie 90 potatoes out of 100. It’s one I enjoy going back and watching every five years or so.
