Article 99

Directed by Howard Deutch, Article 99 follows several doctors, including Ray Liotta’s Richard Sturgess, Kiefer Sutherland’s Peter Morgan, and Forest Whitaker’s Sid Handleman, as they attempt to overcome budgetary limitations within a crowded veterans hospital. It’s compelling subject matter that’s employed to mostly watchable (albeit hopelessly erratic) effect by Deutch, and there’s little doubt, ultimately, that the picture fares best within its breezy, lighthearted first half – with the agreeable atmosphere perpetuated by the actors’ charismatic efforts and a recurring smattering of compelling digressions. The less-than-subtle bent of Ron Cutler’s screenplay is, as a result, initially not as problematic (or distracting) as one might’ve feared, although, by that same token, it’s hard to deny that the viewer’s interest level does begin to dip considerably once the film progresses into its tedious, drama-focused final third (ie the didactic bent of this stretch is awfully tough to take). By the time the relatively satisfying conclusion rolls around, Article 99 has confirmed its place as a decent-enough endeavor that does, in the end, feel like the pilot episode of a doctor-themed television show.

**1/2 out of ****