
Movie spotlight
Smart Alek
In 1972 a family are on their way for a holiday in Essex. The parents argue and the son swears, making obscene gestures. So the father throws him out, drives on and crashes the car. The grandmother flags down a car with three men in it. Too late she recognises one as the man who shot a neighbour...
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, ambitious lawyer tries to defend a client who claims to be an alien, all while navigating the complexities of his personal life and the skepticism of those around him. The case takes unexpected turns, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. He must use all his wit to uncover the truth and prove his client's innocence, or perhaps, his extraterrestrial origins.
Critical Reception
Smart Alek received a generally negative reception from critics, who found its premise amusing but ultimately underdeveloped. Audience reactions were mixed, with some appreciating its quirky humor and others finding it too silly and lacking substance. It remains a niche film, often overlooked in discussions of 1990s independent comedies.
What Reviewers Say
The film struggles to balance its comedic aspirations with its legal drama elements.
Performances are often cited as a bright spot, despite the weak script.
The premise is intriguing but fails to deliver a satisfying or coherent narrative.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Smart Alek' is not readily available, making it difficult to gauge specific audience sentiments.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in and around the Los Angeles area, with some scenes filmed at actual courthouses to add a touch of authenticity to the legal proceedings.
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