Had Dead Man Walking been written by sleazy murder mystery specialist Joe Eszterhas, it would probably turn out something like this. Director Alan Parker's previous attempts to merge social commentary with thriller elements have been excellent, but here the story - about the fictional David Gale, a respected academic and opponent of the death penalty who's awaiting execution - never quite catches fire. It does, however, benefit from the astute casting of Kevin Spacey as the intellectual on death row who agrees to give an exclusive interview to tenacious reporter Kate Winslet. The events leading up to his conviction for murder are related via flashback, while Winslet uncovers evidence that Gale has been set up. Audiences are more likely to enjoy the climactic twists and turns than the bulk of the movie, which fails to provide the tension or high drama we'd expect from this talented cast and director. It's worth a look, but this ends up less than worthy.

A man against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row.