THE DEVIL’S OWN

Prior to the film’s theatrical release, there were reports that its star Brad Pitt was trashing THE DEVIL’S OWN ($35). For the life of me, I can’t understand why. THE DEVIL’S OWN is a very entertaining thriller about an Irish American cop who is duped into taking an IRA terrorist into his home. Harrison Ford is terrific as Tom O'Meara, the police officer who thinks he’s helping out an Irish émigré by letting him stay in his basement. Ford may be a big movie star, but he is a much-underrated actor, giving a very human and very moving performance. Brad Pitt is also quite good as Frankie McGuire, the IRA assassin who has come to America to buy weapons to take back to Ireland. THE DEVIL’S OWN portrays the IRA in a very sympathetic light, making Pitt the film’s anti-hero, instead of villain. The honor of being the film’s primary heavy goes to Treat Williams, who also turns in a great performance. Williams’ portrays Billy Burke, an arms dealer whose only concern is receiving the money he is due. Only when the deal between the IRA assassin and the arms dealer goes sour, does the cop uncover the truth. This all leads to the film’s inevitable showdown. Director Alan J. Pakula keeps the character rich story moving at a good pace. The cast of THE DEVIL’S OWN also includes Margaret Colin, Rubén Blades, George Hearn and Natasha McElhone.