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The Judge (2014),
Director: David Dodkin, rated R for language
Defend your
Honor.
  Starring: Robert
Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Vincent D'Onofrio,
Jeremy Strong, Dax Shepard, Leighton Meester, Billy Bob
Thornton, Ken Howard, Emma Tremblay
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Did you know 90% of the
country believes in ghosts? Less than a third in evolution? 35%
can correctly identify Homer Simpson's fictional town in which
he resides, less than 1% knows the name Thurgood Marshall.
But... when you put 12 Americans together in a jury and you ask
for justice? Something just south of brilliance happens. Often
as not, they get it right." – Hank Palmer
Why watch this? The
two Roberts here deliver excellent dramatic performances.
Plot Summary:
A high-powered big-city lawyer returns to his rural hometown for
his mother's funeral, forced to confront his estranged,
intimidating father who serves as the local judge. Tensions
escalate when the judge is suddenly accused of murder,
compelling the reluctant son to stay and defend him in court.
Amidst a high-stakes legal battle, the dysfunctional family must
confront long-buried secrets and confront their complex
relationships.
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Dad's Preview:
Some films, because the actors are so darn good, succeed
if the plot is smart with complicated characters. Here,
there is a great supporting cast in Jeremy Strong,
Vincent D'Onofrio, and Vera Farmiga. Heck, Billy Bob
Thornton even makes a memorable appearance. This only
makes the lead performances shine better. The best parts
are when Duvall and Downey interact, be it a simple
encounter at a funeral, or a soul-bearing battle of
words where they air their contentious history. This
film satisfies as both family drama and legal thriller,
but I will let you be the judge of that. |
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Village Roadshow
Pics, RatPac-Dune Ent., Team Downey,
Big Kid Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures |
