Director Joel Schumacher ("Falling Down," "Dying Young," the upcoming "Batman Forever"), working from a simplistic screenplay by Akiva Goldsman ("Batman Forever") and Robert Getchell ("Bound for Glory," "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore"), does a perfunctory job of moving things along but he is unable to bring a sympathetic performance from newcomer Renfro. When he's called upon to be emotional he's over the top and when he's supposed to be thoughtful he seems sullen. As a result, he seems to have built up Sarandon's character . . . which wasn't a bad idea, though it muddles the film's point of view.

Sarandon is fabulous, carefully developing the character's painful back story and carrying much of the film with her own brand of fiery charisma and fierce intelligence. Jones, in a smaller role, is nothing less than stunning as the egotistical district attorney labeled "Reverend" by the media because he's constantly spouting scripture. Ossie Davis is also quite good as the judge who rules on whether Mark must be compelled to answer the FBI's questions. But even worse than Renfro is Anthony LaPaglia as Barry "The Blade" Muldanno, a stereotypical Italian mobster who seems like a cartoon in this company.

All in all, it's a mixed bag — but enjoyable enough to please Grisham fans. And it's certainly a step up from "The Pelican Brief."

"The Client" is rated PG-13, though it's a bit rough for young children, with considerable violence, and profanity, as well as some vulgarity and drug abuse.