A Civil Action 1999 Directed By: Steven Zaillian Cast: John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Tony Shalhoub, William H. Macy

Written by: Matt Booth May 29, 2007

For those of you out there who are like me and really enjoy sitting through a legal thriller, I assure you this film will cause a rise in your shorts, so to speak.

John Travolta nails the part of Jan Schlichtmann, a high priced Personal Injury attorney, who can help you if you find a finger in your chili at Wendy's. This movie is based on a true story and tells the story of how Schlichtmann's law firm takes on the case of a group of people in a small town where the tainted water supply has caused the deaths of many of the towns children. Kathleen Quinlan is very convincing as the voice of the town’s people and she convinces Schlichtmann to take on the case. Initially, he does not think the case has merit, but after researching facts, he thinks he can prove the funny tasting water was caused by a small factory in the town that was dumping toxic chemicals into the river instead of disposing of properly. Robert Duvall plays the lead attorney that represents the Corporation Schlichtmann's firm sues. Schlichtmann becomes obsessed about winning the case and puts his career and personal assets on the line trying to beat the huge law firm that works for the big corporation.

 The courtroom scenes are very well done with John Lithgow as the judge and for you "The Sopranos" fans out there, James Gandolfini has a key role as one of the town’s people. The story line is very touching and you will want to watch this one more than once. I give this movie and feel quite certain your $$$ will be well spent renting or purchasing the DVD of this production!!!!