The Pelican Brief

REVIEW
Roberts is a law student who uncovers the diabolical plot behind the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. Jokingly -- but accurately -- called a Nancy Drew for the '90s, this slick but lackadaisical film version of John Grisham's best-seller lacks the excitement and tension which made his other '93 movie adaptation, The Firm, so enjoyable. Washington costars as a journalist who helps Roberts stay alive after her savvy detective work puts her life in peril. This is the sort of paranoia-conspiracy thriller in which once a character befriends the hero(ine), you know they're gonna end up dead in the next reel.