Hilary Swank shoots for Oscar number three in "Conviction," an inspirational legal drama that screams Oscar bait, just as loud as "Secretariat" did a couple of weekends ago. Although "Conviction" has almost nothing in common with "Secretariat" in terms of storytelling, the two films are similar in the vein that they’re both ultra serious big studio year-end pictures about “impossible” true-life stories starring acclaimed and award-winning actress in the lead roles. Additionally, like "Secretariat," "Conviction" lacks that certain gravitas or punch that many great films give you. Nevertheless, the film does function as an excellent acting showcase for both Hilary Swank and the sensational Sam Rockwell who steals every scene he’s in.

Betty Anne Waters (Swank) is a working-class, Massachusetts-raised, single mother of two who is devastated when her older brother Kenny (Rockwell) is arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally murdering (read: mauling) an elderly neighbor. While Kenny adamantly maintains his innocence, the case against him is surprisingly bullet-proof. His history of violent behavior and previous arrests do nothing to help his case. Convinced of his innocence, Betty Ann pulls an "Erin Brockovich" by committing her life (almost 20 years) to freeing Kenny by first getting her high school diploma, going to law school and eventually taking on the case as his attorney in the hope of using the then-newly available DNA testing as evidence in the trial.

My biggest issue with "Conviction" is that apart from the two central performances from Swank and Rockwell, there isn’t anything special about it. Sure, the story of a high school dropout putting herself through law school to release her imprisoned brother is a fascinating one but as told by actor-director Tony Goldwyn and screenwriter, Pamela Gray, it comes off as a glorified Lifetime Movie of the Week than a powerful drama about the flaws and corruption within the American legal system. Now, this isn’t to say the movie is bad because it definitely isn’t. "Conviction" is never dull and it moves briskly and kept me entertained from start to finish. If this is story is something that appeals to you, you’ll really dig the movie but don’t go expecting anything Oscar-worthy. Perhaps "Conventional" would have been a better title.

As I stated earlier, where "Conviction" dazzles is the acting department. Even though I respect Swank’s skill as an actress tremendously, she’s someone who I’ve never really warmed towards. Maybe it’s because outside of her terrific Academy Award-winning performances in "Boys Don't Cry" and "Million Dollar Baby," she hasn’t done anything noteworthy to make me take notice.  It could also be that she’s never been able to dust off that tough, working class persona. "Conviction" sees her back in the working class mode and to no one surprise, she’s once again, very good (although she does sport an annoyingly thick Boston accent that feels completely out of place).

However, as good as Swank is, it’s Rockwell who truly steals the picture. The supremely talented actor is almost always the best thing in every movie he’s starred in, be it "Iron Man 2," the underseen gem "Moon" or his breakthrough role in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." Even though we’re supposed to be rooting for him to get out, Rockwell gives us enough reason to doubt his character through the anger and violence he brings forth with him. Hopefully it won’t be long before we see this brilliant actor acknowledged for the talent he is.

BOTTOM LINE: "Conviction" is a compelling drama that suffers a bit from pedestrian direction and a script that’s a bit too rooted in convention. It’s this conventionality and lack of “punch” that left me wanting more. Regardless, the film does feature two excellent performances from Hilary Swank and the always spectacular Sam Rockwell as inseparable siblings.  Though it isn’t anything special, "Conviction" is engaging from start to finish and is worth the watch if you’re into these types of Lifetime-styled dramas. At worst, this is a DVD rental.

GRADE: B

CONVICTION
Directed by: Tony Goldwyn
Written by: Pamela Gray
Starring: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo
Rated: R (for language and some violent images)