Restraining Order
Robert Woodfield is a criminal defense attorney, and he has defended a lot of criminals, many of whom are guilty, but has maintained that everyone deserves a competent defense, which he provides whether they are guilty or not. Currently he is defending Martin Ritter, a killer, whom he gets off. Later he has dinner with a friend, and his friend tells him that he needs to talk to him about something important. He is about to leave when some masked men go to his friend and kill him, when one of the men takes off his mask; it's Martin Ritter. Now being his lawyer, Robert can't say anything about what he saw. But that doesn't stop him from investigating what his dead friend was so worried about. It seems that he has stumbled onto something big, and instead of killing him they frame his wife for murder to get him to back off. But he doesn't and both his wife and him are now in danger. And still has no idea what's going on. Will he find out before they get to him?
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling advertising copywriter, struggling with writer's block and a messy breakup, finds himself in a series of comedic and dramatic situations when he attempts to win back his ex-girlfriend. His efforts to impress her lead to misunderstandings, accidental destruction, and a bizarre legal entanglement.
Critical Reception
Restraining Order received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who found the plot predictable and the humor often falling flat. While some appreciated the cast's efforts, particularly Jason Bateman's performance, the film was largely seen as an unremarkable romantic comedy with a weak premise.
What Reviewers Say
- The film suffers from a formulaic plot and uninspired execution.
- The comedic elements are often forced and fail to generate genuine laughs.
- While the cast tries their best, they can't salvage the weak script.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mild enjoyment, with some finding the romantic comedy tropes predictable but harmless. Others found the plot convoluted and the humor unconvincing.
Fun Fact
The film's title refers to a legal order which the protagonist's ex-girlfriend obtains against him, leading to many of the plot's complications.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources