Trial and Error (1997)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Trial and Error gets some laughs out of the comedic chemistry between its pleasantly mismatched leads, although the results are still somewhat less than memorable.
Movie Info
Cast
as Richard Rietti
as Charles Tuttle
as Billie Taylor
as Tiffany
as Elizabeth Gardner
as Judge Paul Z. Graff
as Benny Gibbs
as Dr. Stone
as Jacqueline
as Dr. Brown
as Whitfield
as Charles' Assistant
as Hank Crabbit
as Buck Norman
as Bailiff
as Mrs. Sussex
as Clerk
as Court Reporter
as Eric
as Kurt
as Phil
as 1st Bartender
as 2nd Bartender
as Witness
as Heavy Lowlife
as Tattooed Lowlife
as Elizabeth's Secretary
as Man in Bar
as Himself
as Courtroom Janitor
Critic Reviews for Trial and Error
All Critics (36) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (18) | DVD (1)
Ever since "Something Wild," Daniels has perfected his gift for looking increasingly beaten down. He's a perfect foil for Richards's wilder shenanigans.
"Trial and Error" is a breezy confection for a summer's day that effectively conjures up a smile.
If someone wanted to make someone else a star, it's hard to imagine a better route than Lynn takes with Theron, who brings the movie to its knees every time she comes on screen.
Think of it as My Cousin Cosmo.
The movie reminded me a little of some of Billy Wilder's work in the way he took the characters seriously, or at least as seriously as the material allowed, and got a lot of the laughs by playing scenes straight.
There are chuckles to be had, but get your own continuance by waiting for the video.
Audience Reviews for Trial and Error
considering all the talent this project had to offer its a shame nothing really comes together. the main issues are the mismatched pairing of Richards & Daniels which doesn't work. Richards doesn't really offer the humour he does from Seinfeld which is why this film stayed off everyones rader back on its release. Daniels has proven he is capable of comedy roles but he is unable to inject anything remotely resembling a likable character. Theron is quite good in a thankless role but allows Daniels to share some meaningful screen time with. I really wanted to like this film but it is poorly directed and the jokes miss more then they hit.
Super Reviewer
Okay comedy with a witty title. Jeff Daniels and Michael Richards make a good mismatched-buddy team, and to his credit after the first 15 minutes Richards manages to inhabit his character without too many reminders of Kramer. Charlize Theron is very winning in an early supporting role as Daniels' love interest. Seems they forgot this was a comedy after an hour, instead adding an ill-advised romance between Richards and Jessica Steen who actually provides a worthy adversary. Final verdict: with plenty of opportunities for satire or slapstick available, it should have been funnier.
Super Reviewer
Director Jonathan Lynn makes another courtroom delight, following the success of My Cousin Vinny. Michael Richards delivers the expected Dramer-esque slapstick he became famous for on TV's Seinfeld, but then allows his character a more serious and rational side.
Super Reviewer
Trial and Error Quotes
| Elizabeth Gardner: | Where do you come from? |
| Richard Petti: | Where do you want me to come from? |