In Pursuit

Story Line: Criminal lawyer Rick Alvarez (Baldwin) allows himself to be seduced by sultry Katherine Wells (Schiffer), who wants to be free of her wealthy, domineering husband Charles (Stockwell). When Charles is apparently blown up by a car bomb, Rick is framed for the murder--which may have been engineered by Katherine.

Bottom Line: In Pursuit has most of the trappings of classic film noir: femme fatale, unwitting dupe, cynical cop, big caper, twist ending. Unfortunately, these elements have become so familiar that it's increasingly difficult to manipulate them with any degree of originality. Some directors still do so, but Pistor isn't one of them. That is not to imply that In Pursuit is bad; it's just predictable. The hulking Baldwin is well cast as an ambulance chaser of dubious talent, and Schiffer makes an acceptably devious albeit surprisingly modest temptress. Her presence might be a draw for renters who'd otherwise pass up this routine thriller, but they'll probably be disappointed that she doesn't show any skin. --Ed Hulse