Put Jeff Daniels, Michael Richards, Rip Torn and Austin Pendleton in a courtroom together and you have a riotous comedy. I've watched this film several times (on TV--not in the theater) and it always entertains. In a backwoods Nevada town, Jeff Daniels and friend Michael Richards come to celebrate his upcoming marriage. After too much liquor, the roles are reversed as Jeff Daniels can't continue as lawyer for defendant Rip Torn, so out-of-work actor Michael Richards steps in as Torn's lawyer The repartee in the courtroom is classic, with a frustrated Austin Pendleton as judge trying to keep order in the court, and the shyster Rip Torn clueless as to what's going on, adds up to one funny film. And Charlize Theron as the love interest isn't hard to take either. This is a laugh-out-loud film with some great slapstick and wild antics. I loved it.

If this film is inspired by my cousin Vinny they did a good job.The only reason to watch this film is if you like Jeff and Mike. They both give you the characters they have built their carers on. Mike stumbles around Jeff makes his funny faces. The plot is very simple. Lawyer caught in a lie and good girl helps him find himself. That said Charlize may be one of the most beautiful woman in the world. Oh and Jenny Coolidge is so fun. If you are reading this Jenny, you are way more than Stiffler's mom. I think you have a suspense comedy drama in you. You should talk to the Coen Bros. Especially Ethan could write you a Oscar winner. Back to Trial and error, its worth a rainy night watch. Just don't expect too much. I wouldn't watch it twice.

Jonathan Lynn's 'Trial and Error' is Strictly Time-Pass Entertainment! Its a fairly engaging comedy, that comes in-tact with earnest performances from its cast. 'Trial and Error' Synopsis: An actor poses as a lawyer to help his sick friend, and problems develop.'Trial and Error' stands perfect as a lazy Sunday afternoon watch. A light entertainer, that offers some good jokes & performances. Sara Bernstein & Gregory Bernstein's Screenplay is fairly engaging. Jonathan Lynn's Direction is fine. Performance-Wise: Jeff Daniels is a joy to watch, as always. The under-rated actor puts up another excellent performance. Michael Richards does very well. Charlize Theron looks stunning as ever & is perfect. Rip Torn is as usual.On the whole, 'Trial and Error' is time-pass.

This is a quaint little Jonathan Lynn comedy. No real belly laughs, but humorous and entertaining. An ambitious big city attorney Charles Tuttle(Jeff Daniels)is defending his future bride's(Alexandra Wenworth)relative, Benny Gibbs(Rip Torn)in a class action fraud suit. Tuttle's long time friend(Michael Richards)gets the bridegroom drunk and trying to get rid of a hangover the up and coming lawyer over-medicates himself. He is unable to conduct himself properly for court; so Richards who happens to be an actor takes over his friend's duty as defense attorney in court. While Tuttle is banned from the courtroom he falls in love with a beautiful waitress named Billy(Charlize Theron)and puts his nuptials in question. The most hilarious part of the movie is when swindler Torn takes the stand for his own defense. Austin Pendleton who plays the small town judge is also pretty darn funny. I have to admit if it wasn't for Miss Theron I probably would not have watched TRIAL and ERROR. I'm glad I did.