The Chamber (1996)

THE CHAMBER is more race-baiting from John Grisham.  Though not as 
flashy as A TIME TO KILL, this poor man's DEAD MAN WALKING has its 
fair share of memorable moments.  Gene Hackman is fabulous as the 
racist bomber on death row and some of his interactions with Chris 
O'Donnell-- believable, but not by much, as the grandson lawyer-- 
are priceless.  (The rest of the cast is a mixed bag, with Faye 
Dunaway playing dangerously close to camp.)  The melodrama drips a 
bit much by the end, but I enjoyed director James Foley's use of 
sound effects to goose a sedate and largely actionless story.  
(Rated "R"/110 min.)

Grade: C+

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: October 24, 1996