Michael Douglas Doing Thing Right Beneath 'Slumming' In Jesse Metcalfe Vehicle

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a journo-political thriller poised for an early fall release, where it will kick off Hollywood's prestige season with a steady, flatulent trumpeting sound. Before you watch the trailer, however, you'll need to take several leaps of faith.

First, you'll have to accept Jesse Metcalfe as the lead in a movie. That's a tall order, as Metcalfe doesn't rank too highly among our generation's most talented young actors -- or, for that matter, among our generation. Also, you'll have to accept that Metcalfe is "ambitious rookie journalist, C.J. Nichols," an actor/vocational pairing that challenges Tara Reid's Alone in the Dark archaeologist for sheer, credulity-distending audacity.

Once you've accepted these minor quibbles, then you can sink your teeth into this meaty story of a corrupt, evidence-faking D.A., played with as much dignity as Michael Douglas can muster in a project he refers to around the house as "the new butt-lift," and the whipsmart, Bob Woodwardesque beefcake on his tail. Somehow, Amber Tamblyn figures into the proceedings; if you look closely, you can actually see her closing her eyes and attempting to return to her happy place, filled with good friends, magical jeans and a chatty, down-to-earth God, during her numerous love scenes with the former Desperate Housewives star.

Verdict: There's no amount of money. Well, there is. Probably in the three-figures.