"THE PRACTICE: VOLUME ONE"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Dylan McDermott as BOBBY DONNELL Kelli Williams as LINDSAY DOLE Steve Harris as EUGENE YOUNG Camryn Manheim as ELLENOR FRUTT Lara Flynn Boyle as HELEN GAMBLE Michael Badalucco as JIMMY BERLUTI Not Rated Studio: 20th Century Fox Developed by David E. Kelley Back to DVD Review Home |  |
I recall watching “The Practice” when it was on the air during the ‘90s and not finding it terribly stimulating. Now that the first volume is available on DVD, I’ve discovered a thrilling courtroom drama that rivals “Law and Order”.
“The Practice” follows a group of lawyers working for a small defense firm in Boston. As defense lawyers, the characters mostly spend their time defending criminals, murders and the generally guilty.
At the head of the firm is Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott), an excellent lawyer charged not only with defending his clients, but with keeping the other members of his practice in line. Eugene Young (Steve Harris) is the firm’s ruthless and arrogant lawyer, while Ellenor (Camryn Manheim) and Lindsay (Kelli Williams) are the mediocre female attorneys. Jimmy Berluti (Michael Badalucco) joined the firm as a favor from Bobby, while Helen Gamble (Lara Flynn Boyle) is a law-school pal of Lindsay’s and common opponent for the Donnell firm.
Volume one of “The Practice” chronicles the start of Bobby’s firm as the group struggles to win cases and pay the rent. Lindsay is fresh out of law school at this point and even battles her former professor during a case. Jimmy joins the firm despite having never won a jury trial, and Helen eventually shows up as the evil courtroom adversary.
The cases fought in this collection are vast and varied. Murderers are first on the agenda followed by thieves and abuse cases. A case against big tobacco is the victory that brings in the money necessary to keep the firm afloat; whereas a dog-injury suit produces a settlement that finally gives Jimmy some credibility. The episodes do not focus on one trial in particular as some cases span several episodes while others are brief. Additionally, while the lawyers work together, they often try separate cases, keeping everyone on his feet.
There isn’t one poor performance from any member of this cast. The drama is often intense and the actors continually rise to the occasion. Dylan McDermott (“The Messengers”) stands out as particularly gifted; although, this doesn’t explain his lack-luster acting career.
The DVD set for volume one of “The Practice” is fairly disappointing. Thirteen episodes from 1997 are offered on four discs in addition to a Setting Up The Practice featurette.
“The Practice” is a great show, with or without bonus features. Although David E. Kelly has now brought us “Boston Legal”, “The Practice” comes from a very different place. The antics of a high-profile firm versus the drama of this struggling defense practice produce an immense difference in entertainment. “The Practice” has not decreased in entertainment value since its time on the air, and any “Law and Order” fan would appreciate the content of this show.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Full Frame (1.33:1). English, Spanish and French Language Track. English and Spanish Subtitles.
