Body of Evidence MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -3 1/2

A wealthy man is found dead in his bed, apparently the victim of a heart attack while having sex. The coroner discovers that the heart attack was hastened by a dose of cocaine. The victim's girlfriend, Rebecca Carlson (Madonna), becomes the prime suspect. Indicted by the District Attorney (Joseph Mantegna), Rebecca retains lawyer Frank Delaney (Willem Dafoe) for her defense, eventually seducing him as well. Trial witnesses testify that Rebecca has had affairs with other older men with heart problems. Amazingly unfazed by the growing evidence, Frank can't stay away from her and he's drawn deeper into her web of kinky sex and deceit. BODY OF EVIDENCE, despite all the hoopla, is nothing more than a porno film with an only slightly more involved plot. It bears comparison to last year's BASIC INSTINCT, but lacks the suspense. Except for Mr. Mantegna as the DA, the performances are lackluster, and the courtroom scenes are downright boring. Contrary to the hype, this film does not establish Madonna as a legitimate film star; it instead makes her the most highly paid porno star in the world.

Nothing is left to the imagination, other than the viewers wondering why they spent two hours and five dollars enduring the interminable courtroom scenes and pornography. Practically every inch of Madonna's body is exposed, and numerous sexual acts are displayed. Everything is taken to the verge of NC-17 intensity, then pulled back to preserve the R rating. Objectionable language is also prevalent, including 19 f-words, 10 s-words, and 5 regular profanities. Violence includes several moderately bloody gunshots. The body of objectionable evidence is plentiful. Our jury says "guilty as charged" to BODY OF EVIDENCE, and renders a "must not see" sentence.

Preview Reviewer: Pete Zimowski
Distributor: MGM, 450 N. Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210