Based on 113 votes and 3 reviews.
I always enjoy Al Pacino's performances, even when he takes roles to ham and show off. Pacino's role in this is one of his "show-off" roles, and I indeed enjoyed Pacino's performance here even if I didn't believe it. His character in this seems contrived to be a crusty but likable curmudgeon movie character. Pacino is the main character in this but Chris O'Donnell is the story's protagonist. This character's prep school plot is totally ridiculous, and we keep waiting to see what he will ultimately do; what decision he will make...but that never pays off. O'Donnell's character never chooses. He doesn't have to because Pacino's character crashes the O'Donnell plot to hog the spotlight and rob the film - and the audience - of a satisfying resolution. Pacino finally won an Academy Award for this, but it is generally regarded as a "career award." Pacino was nominated for two Academy Awards that year -- he was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the ensemble drama Glengarry Glen Ross. I think they should have given Pacino the Oscar for that film instead. It's a better performance in a much better film.
The best of the best.Al Pacino's performance in this film is as good as it gets!
IMPECCABLE