Splendid acting from Michael Douglas, Demi Moore and Donald Sutherland save a somewhat complicated and rather computer-technical plot which doesn't make a great deal of sense if we examine it too closely. Another drawback lies in the TV-style direction by Barry Levinson, who was certainly an odd choice for director. The movie was obviously produced on a multi-million dollar budget -- thirty- two million if I remember correctly -- so why hand the reins to someone with a tunnel vision who sees everything in facial close- ups? Even minor characters who are on screen for only a minute or so get the full, stand-alone, close-up treatment. At the end of the day, we have so many unimportant faces that close-ups force us to remember that it's difficult to even keep track of the plot, let alone focus our attention on which characters are important in this never-ending parade of who the dickens is who! Even right at the very end of the movie we are still being urged via distracting close-ups to take special note of newly introduced characters who have virtually little or nothing to do with the plot whatever!

This is an exciting little drama thriller where computer specialist Tom Sanders (Michael Douglas) is sued for sexual harassment by former lover-turned-boss Meredith Johnson (Demi Moore), who actually instigated the act. This puts Tom's reputation and family life on the line.From Meredith's sensual desires to her crafty accusations, Demi Moore proves should could play a seductive, powerful and devious villain. And, Douglas gave a vulnerable, yet commanding performance as Tom Sanders, attempting relentlessly to prove his innocence. He and Demi have strong head-butting chemistry that adds on to the suspense and thrills to this movie. The supporting cast also did a great job in their respective roles, providing dry wit and dark humor in an otherwise thrilling drama.The movie also provides an interesting inside look in the corporate workplace, where gender roles sometimes collide and the consequences it produces. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the overall tension, twists-and-turns, and powerful acting, especially during the courtroom drama, make this film an edge-of-your-seat ride.Grade B

Michael Douglas plays Tom Sanders, a successful computer specialist working for a big firm who is passed over for promotion in favor of an old flame named Meredith Johnson(played by Demi Moore). She is very ambitious, and seems to have undue influence over the CEO, which proves to be the case as Meredith tries to seduce Tom after hours in her office. Tom, a happily married man, is tempted by her beauty, but resists. He is later shocked to learn that she has reported him for sexual harassment, so he has no choice but to sue her, which endangers his future within the company, but Tom will discover that things are not as simple as they seem, and Meredith has another agenda at work...Based on Michael Crichton's novel, and well directed by Barry Levinson, this features fine acting by its stars, and a fascinating story with many twists and turns, that leads to a satisfying finale.

One wishes this had focused on completely on his most famous theme -that of sexual harassment and how a man can be deemed guilty in absence of evidence. This is a serious problem and rarely (if ever) dealt with by Hollywood. The scenes involving this are convincing, particularly in the mediations where the chairman sides with the woman (Demi Moore) although the fact she is so sexually attractive makes the basic premise less plausible than it could have been.However the story is hobbled early on by too much 'techy' information and rather arbitrary plot details such as a mysterious email contact and a piece of evidence which magically shows up. It is not really clear why the company is spending so much time and effort trying to get rid of Michael Douglas, especially after the harassment case is settled. This leads to the final 40 minutes which are very clunky indeed. It is here that the 'techiness' really comes to the fore, and at a point when most viewers will have switched off since the real story has finished.The climactic scene in the exec meeting is very unconvincing. A typical Hollywood attempt at a big finale, which falls flat.An uncharacteristically poor score from Ennio Morricone adds to the general mediocrity.