Objection!
Trial and Error Falls Flat

As fans of television's Seinfeld know, Michael Richards is a master of physical comedy. This is in no small part due to his lanky figure and comical hair, but his timing and outrageous mannerisms have made Kramer an American icon. After a few minor screen appearances, Richards co-stars in Trial and Error, a seemingly perfect part which doesn't live up to expectations.

The plot for Trial and Error reads like a bad sitcom premise. Richard Rietti, a struggling actor (Richards), throws a bachelor party for his lawyer friend Charlie (Jeff Daniels) the night before a court date. Charlie ends up injured and medicated, forcing him to miss the court appearance. Luckily, Richard fills in. One can almost hear Jerry Seinfeld saying, "Oh, this is a good idea."

Unfortunately, what should be a showcase for Richards' unique brand of comedy gets bogged down by not one -- but two -- love stories which are as predictable as the premise of the movie. Charlie begins to question his engagement when he falls for an angelic waitress (played by the stunning Charlize Theron), even as Richard falls for the prosecuting attorney (Jessica Steen).

In defense of Richards, he does his best with the material at hand. In fact, he overcomes what is truly a horrible script. Daniels plays a good straight man to Richards out-of-work actor, but when the story focuses on Charlie's romantic relationships the movie falls apart. Theron is not-suprisingly charming, and Rip Torn provides a couple of good laughs as Charlie's client, Benny Gibbs.

Fans of Richards will enjoy this outing, but may be disappointed by the story's foray into romantic territory. Nothing new is covered in this movie, which is directed by Jonathan Lynn. As far as courtroom comedies go, it is average at best.

MY RATING: 3 out of 10.

RATED:
RUN TIME: 106 min.

Objection! Trial and Error Falls Flat

Objection!
Trial and Error Falls Flat