This is a by-the-numbers tale of political chicanery and fallen idealism, but it works because of several strong performances. James Spader and John Cusack play law-school pals whose college idealism quickly falls away onc... more »e they reach the real world. Playing against type, Spader is the straight arrow who goes on to work for the Justice Department. Cusack is the slippery conniver who parlays a job as an aide to an aging senator (Richard Widmark) into a springboard to elective office, all the while cutting corners, compromising his integrity, and breaking rules. For good measure, there's also romantic backstabbing. The film tends to get a shade heavy on the moralizing as Cusack slides further down the slope to outright corruption; Spader practically carries a sign saying, "I have the moral high ground." Still, both actors give their characters an interesting spin, and it's always good to see Widmark back in action. --Marshall Fine« less
Heather F. (8izenuff) from PHOENIX, AZ Reviewed on 3/10/2008...
I love John Cusack. I love James Spader in Boston Legal. If you just want to watch it to see them, it is worth it. John Cusack either has some great movies or some duds. This was more like a milk dud, Chocolate(seeing John and James), with an irritating chewy center that sticks to your teeth that gives you a headache and you cant wait for it to end. The beginning kept you interested. In the end you just wanted it over. Johns EYES looked beady and small. James played a lawyer. Both were great eye candy. John has a love scene and it seems so unlike him to be this hot guy in bed. Do you see John as some hot lover? Hmm Spader either? Maybe My advice watch it, and move on and eat Junior Mints.
2 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Soggy Political Drama
Westley | Stuck in my head | 07/23/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"True Colors stars John Cusack and James Spader as law school buddies on very different career trajectories. Spader plans on going into the Department of Justice and resigns himself to serving the public. Cusack, on the other hand, is an extremely ambitious politician. I bet you can tell where this situation is headed! Despite their differences, they remain friends, even after Cusack steals Spader's girlfriend from him. The movie tries to examine issues of power and corruption. Unfortunately, the plot is so stale and obvious that it fails to add anything new to this arena. Spader and Cusack are fine, but Imogen Stubbs, as the woman they both love, is terrible. She's a Brit playing an American, but her accent creeps in far too often, which is a huge distraction. I'm a big fan of John Cusack, but this movie is definitely one of his lesser accomplishments."
A great start fades away quickly
David M. Lovin | Willow Spring, NC United States | 11/28/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you decide to watch "True Colors", I would advise you to watch about the first 30 minutes and then turn it off. The opening of the film is great, and will have you really gripped, but the movie will soon turn very familiar and you'll lose interest. By the end, you will almost laugh at the ridiculous conclusion.The two main stars are James Spader and John Cusack. They meet the first day of law school at UVA when Cusack smashes into Spader's car on move in day, starting a huge fight between the two. No points for guessing that they will end up roommates. They overcome this tough start and become good friends. Cusack comes from rather humble roots, to say the least, while Spader has a somewhat higher pedigree. In fact, he is dating the daughter (Imogen Stubbs) of a senator (Richard Widmark). It doesn't take long before Cusack is lying left and right about his background, trying to impress everyone. This continues to Capital Hill, when both young men are hired in Washington. Spader is an assistant DA, Cusack works on Widmark's staff.From here, you can guess what will happen. Knowing that Cusack is such a rotten apple, nothing will be a surprise. He will double cross his "friend" so many times, and in so many cruel ways, that it's implausible that Spader could even stand in the same room with him. I won't give the story away, but I will say that the end of the movie, when Spader gets his "revenge" is so corny and unbelievable, I would rather have had him pull out a gun and just shoot him. That would have made more sense than this. All in all, the film starts out great and will ultimately leave you cold."
Great. I Love it.
Karen S. Mccoy | cayucos, ca usa | 10/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Right on. Politics and Power. I love this movie. I watch it a lot all the time. John Cusack is really great. Loved it."
Good Flick
The | Arlington , VA | 01/10/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A wonderful early 90s film that still holds on to the lure of classic 80s movies. It a pretty good story about two young men and the paths they take out of law school. If your a cusack or james spader fan it is a movie to see. In addition if you ever attended the University of Virginia Law School or as an undergraduate, it is a must see. The first 20 minutes or so of the movie takes place on grounds. You will recognize many places including, the rotunda, mincers, michaels bistro, brown college, the tracks by wild wings and more."