Nothing But the Truth - out of 5 reels this movie receives *** (3 reels)

Inspired by actual events, this movie strongly represents integrity, commitment, and the power we all have to influence the lives around us.  One secret being revealed sends shocking ripples through a newspaper, justice system, and a government agency forever altering those involved.  One reporter's dream scoop turns into a horrific nightmare.

Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) is a woman of the new millennium doing it all, juggling a career, being a good mother, and trying to uphold her end of a marriage.  A huge career opportunity presents itself when an undefined source reveals a CIA agent and the possible masking of a White House mistake.  Rachel, along with her newspaper employer, decides to take a big risk and out the story.  Because revealing an undercover CIA agent is illegal, Rachel is very quickly up against jail time and public scrutiny if she does not reveal her story source.

This cast is full of Hollywood heavy hitters.  Kate Beckinsale (Click) gives a wonderful performance.  Her projection of 'Girl Power' was real, calm, and balanced.  Her confidence was apparent, but not over the top.  Matt Dillion (Crash, There's Something About Mary) plays the prosecuting attorney, giving a solid performance.  Angela Bassett (Notorious, What's Love Got to Do with It) performs a good supporting role as Rachel's boss.  Noah Wyle (television's ER) flexes his acting muscles with a good performance as the newspaper's in-house attorney.  Vera Farmiga (The Departed) played the out-ed CIA agent.  Although I haven't seen much of her work, I thought she did a stand-out performance in this project.  She was cocky enough, yet human enough to draw compassion from viewers.  Then the cast is brilliantly topped off with Alan Alda (most known from television's M*A*S*H).  His portrayal of Alan Burnside, a big time defendant attorney, makes acting look way too easy.

I don't recall this movie making a big theater release.  In fact, it may have been a straight to DVD release.  Regardless, the script and performances make this movie a great DVD rental.  Although it is not a 'must see', I really enjoyed the film and would recommend it for a nice calm Friday night rental.