

Movie spotlight
Trial and Error
When lawyer Charlie is sent to a small Nevada town to file a continuance request for a client, his actor friend Richard turns up to throw a surprise bachelor party celebrating his upcoming marriage to the boss's daughter. When Charlie is too hung-over to make it to court for the hearing, Richard fills in, inadvertently committing felony fraud, and Charlie is left with no choice but to coach the clueless Richard through the whole trial.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, inexperienced New York lawyer is forced to defend a client accused of murder while dealing with a corrupt judge and a manipulative witness. He finds himself in a desperate race against time to uncover the truth before he's disbarred or worse. The situation is further complicated by a personal connection to the case and the eccentric personalities he encounters.
Critical Reception
Trial and Error received largely negative reviews from critics, who found its plot convoluted and its humor unfocused. While some praised the performances of its cast, particularly Nathan Lane, the film was criticized for its weak script and predictable twists. Audiences also showed little interest, contributing to its poor box office performance.
What Reviewers Say
Relies too heavily on slapstick and a convoluted plot.
Performances are a bright spot, but can't save the weak material.
Lacks the wit and charm of a truly successful courtroom comedy.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed to negative reception, with many finding the film to be an unfunny and nonsensical comedy. Some viewers appreciated the efforts of the cast, but the majority felt the plot was too weak and the jokes fell flat, leading to a generally disappointing viewing experience.
Fun Fact
The film's original script was reportedly much darker and more serious, focusing on the lawyer's ethical dilemmas. The comedic tone was added later during production, which may explain some of the disjointedness noted by critics.
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