The Ricochet Reviewer: Books, Movies, and Comics

Director: Jonathan Demme Writer: Ron Nyswaner Stars: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Antonio Banderas, Joanne Woodward, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman   An attorney at a large law firm (Tom Hanks) is fired under fraudulent circumstances when his colleagues suspect--correctly--that he suffers from AIDS.  Unable to retain more prestigious representation, he turns to a homophobic ambulance chaser (Denzel Washington) to present his case.  As the first big Hollywood production to deal with AIDS and homosexuality, it can be forgiven for relying on courtroom intrigue instead of placing faith in the very real drama of a terminal disease.  This may have been necessary to get the film past executives who might have been wary of the public's tolerance and the reception they would grant such material.  To the credit of director Jonathan Demme and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, the dramatic balance shifts away from legal shenanigans as the film progresses, leaving us wi