Suspenseful court dramas seem to be nonexistent nowadays, but Primal Fear, made only five years ago, does not give any indication why these movies have fallen out of popularity, since it is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.

Richard Gere stars as a power hungry lawyer who really doesn't care whether his clients are innocent or guilty, as long as he is able to win. His morals, however, are put to the test when he takes the case of an alter boy (a young Edward Norton) accused of killing an Arch Bishop. As the trial continues, and the young man faces the death penalty, Gere realizes that this isn't just another case; he really believes the man is innocent.

Like most court movies, there are some dead ends, some twists, and some problems that arise in proving innocence, but Primal Fear does all these much better than most other movies. This movie has some great twists and a very suspenseful storyline; up until the last second, you don't know how things are going to end.

The acting is great, especially by Norton, who hasn't turned in a bad performance yet. He didn't become well known until his Oscar nomination for American History X, but he is just as good in Primal Fear. Gere also does a good job.

Primal Fear has nothing negative going against it, as it is one of the best movies I have witnessed in a long time. Not a lot of people know about this movie, but any fan of suspense films should enjoy it.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.