‘BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT’: A CURIOUS & INTERESTING MYSTERY. A review of the 2009 film re-make features Jesse Metcalfe and Michael Douglas. Text © Rissi JC

‘BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT’: A CURIOUS & INTERESTING MYSTERY

August 25, 2021 Rissi JC 5 Comments

Finding a decent “free” movie on one of the many streaming services on my TV isn’t always easy. But we keep trying. One of my more recent finds is Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, a kind of mystery that takes on some characteristics of an Agatha Christie story.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009) Film Review

Part of a small investigative reporter group, C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe) is tired of doing fluff piece stories. He wants to chase a bigger story and he has one, only his boss isn’t too keen on his story idea. But this doesn’t stop C.J. from pursuing what could be a big story. He believes that the DA Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas) is corrupt, a man who only gets convictions by faking evidence. With plans to run for governor, C.J. wants to expose him.

He does this by making plans to frame himself for a murder. Only what starts as a risky plan just may end up costing C.J. his freedom.

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This film is a contemporary one, but it gives off some Agatha Christie vibes, especially in some of its twists. It’s not a “frightening” mystery or particularly dark comparatively speaking, either. If you don’t like movies that throw things out of order in ways you might not like, then this won’t be a good fit for you. And yes, I realize how very vague this is. I don’t know what more to say without spoiling anything, so I won’t. Instead we’ll talk about who else you’ll see in the cast.

The additional cast list includes Amber Tamblyn and Joel David Moore (Bones). Based on a story from the 1950s film (of the same title), like I said, this one in some ways feels like a classic kind of whodunit. There’s interesting dynamics and it’s fun to see Jesse Metcalfe in something that’s not the Hallmark network.

There’s a bit of suspense in a car chase, and just the general how-will-this-go-down element. This one isn’t “normal” in how it works out nor does it necessarily give a good feeling, but it becomes something we don’t anticipate and that makes it interesting.

(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)

You can find Beyond a Reasonable Doubt digitally on Amazon Video; at publication, it’s free with IMDBtv.

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‘BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT’: A CURIOUS & INTERESTING MYSTERY. A review of the 2009 film re-make features Jesse Metcalfe and Michael Douglas. Text © Rissi JC

Content: there’s lots of uses of sh*t, God’s name in vain and other commonplace profanity including one use of the f-word (at the end). There’s two – three scenes of a couple in bed. One has them entangled and obviously naked. There’s some crime scene photos and other evidence seen; someone is terrorized by a man chasing them in a parking garage (in a car). Nothing is terribly graphic. There is one “tense” car chase scene that ends badly. The film is PG-13.

Photos: Anchor Bay Entertainment / RKO Pictures / Signature Entertainment

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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5 Comments

  • […] REVIEW | ‘BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT’: A CURIOUS & INTERESTING […]

  • Heidi Robbins August 28, 2021 at 2:55 PM

    Thanks for reviewing this one! I’ll check it out next time I’m in the mood for a movie instead of a book ;)

    • Rissi JC August 30, 2021 at 10:20 PM

      Hope you enjoy if you do see it, Heidi. :)

    • Rissi JC September 6, 2021 at 10:23 PM

      Hope you enjoy this one if you see it, Heidi; and I need to get back into reading. :)

  • […] FILM REVIEW | ‘BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT’: A CURIOUS & INTERESTING MYSTERY […]

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