The Pelican Brief (1993)

Lowry gives the thriller an enthusiastic verdict, praising its taut, intelligent adaptation and near-flawless execution. He especially singles out Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, whose performances anchor the film.

Ferguson describes the film as following a formula established by earlier Grisham adaptations. He singles out its dense plotting, legal detail, charismatic leads and star-studded supporting cast.

Errigo finds the adaptation solid, intelligent and entertaining, though ultimately unspectacular. She praises the casting and highlights its nail-biting set pieces, while noting structural shakiness that keeps Denzel Washington off screen too long.

Anthony Lane’s Current Cinema column reviews The Pelican Brief alongside Philadelphia. The available page does not show his verdict or what he singles out for praise or complaint.

The page is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be verified. The headline frames the film as a contemporary Nancy Drew story, but the review’s specific praise or complaints are unavailable.

The accessible page provides no verdict. It does not reveal what the critic singled out for praise or complaint.

The critic finds Pakula’s adaptation lightweight and ultimately unimpressive. They criticize Washington’s wasted role while noting Roberts’s familiar startled-fawn performance.

Turan finds the thriller a fizzle, with a murky plot and a sluggish pace that keep it from catching fire. He praises Roberts and Washington’s pleasant on-screen rapport, though he says the supporting cast gives them little help.

Turfrey finds the film mediocre and the Blu-ray release disappointing. He praises the clean, crisp picture transfer but criticizes the lack of extras.