Legal Eagles

charming is the right word. because it is a nice film, without high ambitions and using old recipes, mixture of crime and romance, with a good performance of Daryll Hannah and same Redford who does a seductive character. a movie who can not be real convincing but who know explore in a smart manner, the common clichés. and that is its great virtue - to not be serious or a parody but a perfect choice for Sunday evening. the secret - maybe, courage to use tricks from old romantic comedies in decent doses. and it works at whole. the vulnerability of characters, the action scenes, the thin artistic stain, all as tools for a charming show who reminds classic films and who can be opportunity for rediscover good actors at duty.

As rival attorneys in New York City, Robert Redford and Debra Winger aren't exactly Tracy and Hepburn (he's too wishy-washy and callow, she's too flighty), but they do get to loosen up a bit from prior roles, creating an amusing give-and-take relationship while defending performance artist Daryl Hannah on murder charges. Plot is so haphazardly constructed that it was re-worked for the TV version and still nobody could figure it out. Redford and Winger get out of a bomb-laden warehouse just in the nick of time, but how they do it will have smart viewers crying foul. There are other problems, not to mention a strange, off-putting show put on by Hannah where she appears to go up in flames, but the charisma of the players is just enough to carry this heavy vehicle to a happy conclusion. The outtakes at the finale are charming, as is Rod Stewart's song "Love Touch". **1/2 from ****

I don't believe in magic. But this movie forces me to!

I find it hard to talk about movies I extremely love. But being pushed by that love itself, I have to do it. I first watched (Legal Eagles) when I was 11 year old. Ever since, I adore it. Every moment of it became such a glamorous memory. When I made my list of the best 100 movies I saw, it was surely one of them. So, what do I love about it? Simply EVERYTHING!

Talk serious MAN!. OK: Debra Winger and Robert Redford. The soft-colored and smoking hot cinematography. The breathless pace. The light yet perfect comedy. The few yet masterly action scenes. The mystery of its story. The way this script managed to be a thriller, a great movie about lawyers, and a romantic comedy as well. And nothing can compete with Debra Winger's eyes, especially when she was looking to Redford. I can swear whether she was in love, real love, with him at the moment, or she just a prodigious actress.

The dual, Jim Cash and Jack Epps. Jr, wrote together many other movies. Just remember: Top Gun, Turner & Hooch, Dick Tracy, Anaconda, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas. For me, I see that nothing tops the effort they pulled off in Legal Eagles yet. From the complicated storyline of whodunit, to the amusing courtroom drama, reaching to the details of the main 2 characters; I can't get enough of Redford dancing to Gene Kelly's song, or Winger's dialogue; for instance the line of "borrowing one of your looks"!

History speaking; since the end of the 1970s, the movies that mix action or thrill with elements of romantic comedy, where the hero and the heroine have both an equal screen time, became in fashion. I believe that began obviously and strongly after the movement of the women's rights. (Legal Eagles) is without a doubt an icon among these movies, being an excellent competitor to be their best.

Director Ivan Reitman was never more classical. Even the smallest shot is memorable. There is a certain loveliness in the way this movie was made. Actually it has all the classy qualities of the old Hollywood while being in a new Hollywood shape too. It's just one fine example for how the studio's work works. With talents, and a harmony, movies with the intention to entertain do their job highly. This time, they were so lucky because it can't get any higher. Actually, in a case like this we're the lucky ones.

With The Boy Who Could Fly, Wise Guys, The Money Pit, now Legal Eagles must be on the top of them as the best 1986's movie I have watched. This is a classy entertainment, and it's very very rare nowadays. How many movies stand being watched for countless times while not losing any glow along the way?! In other words: How this movie doesn't get any old is one definition of magic in my book.

It's far from perfect but 'Legal Eagles' is quite nostalgic and entertaining. The story is very contrived especially with so many plot holes and the characters aren't fully fleshed out either but it has a very noire style approach and does keep you in suspense. The humour also works quite well. On the technical side it's a decently made film, nothing too flashy which is good. I also liked the presentation of the art world.

No matter what one says about 'Legal Eagles', for me the highlight is easily Robert Redford and a very cute Debra Winger. Both actors are spellbinding, delivering subtle and charming performances. As performers, they just look so comfortable with each other. Their chemistry is amazing and their scenes, especially their on-screen banter, are a delight to watch.

Daryl Hannah's role is sketchy but she looks sizzling and I enjoyed her sequences with Redford and the scene where she demonstrates her art. Brian Dennehy is wasted. Terence Stamp is adequate.

So yes, it's got its flaws but how can you not enjoy it for Redford and Winger?

With a stellar cast and mediocre plot, this movie is well executed and the acting skills of the leads raise the movie above it's material on paper. Redfor seems to be enjoying himself and the writers gave each character little human quirks that can't help but make you smile. In one seen, Redford, playing a lawyer is sharing an office with "Kelly" his new partner after he gets caught shaking the sheets with D. Hannahs character and he is moving from chair to chair in the small office finally stating, "I'm a pacer", someone who needs to walk back and forth in order to think clearly.

There is an opening scene with a 60's party that has a Warhol feeling" to it that I enjoyed, as I grew up in those times. And while it plays only a small part in the movie, it brought back a flood of good memories for me. (Anyone remember "The Electric Circus?")

D. Hannah gives a completely 80's reminiscent piece of performance art that is very pych. connected to the wounded character she plays, and if you wait for the credits, you find she played a big part in authoring the piece.

Basically, its the types of movie that is not even in your top ten or twenty, yet you can't help but enjoying it each time you watch it, and you are pleased to see it on the schedule when it is. Kind of a "non-guilty guilty pleasure", I can't help but enjoy the cast, the full of holes plot and poor continuity, (the faux pas of timing and lighting are mentioned in other reviews.) Even Redford's little girl in the movie is one of those kids you have even and enjoy, but can't recall her name. there is an early character role played by Christine Baranski who either got some work done or simply learned how to use her assets better later in her career.

Just watch with an excepting, open mind and you may not only enjoy it, but it may be a cult favorite at some point. *note-my wife is a wall st. attorney and absolutely hates the film as do many other lawyers we know. why? Who knows? Maybe they're strung too tight to let go and enjoy the simple ride.