The American judicial system may not have its finest hour in "The Whole Truth" but the film is nonetheless a gripping 90-minute courtroom drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film is unflattering to lawyers and unkind to witnesses — no one has an easy time here, including the unfortunate victim.

"The first thing you have to know is that everyone lies," a lawyer intones 10 minutes into the movie. "Everyone involved in the trial is screwing everyone else until proven otherwise."

So much for swearing in and justice.