My 3-word movie review for The Judge: Herees.Oscar. I dont remember the last time I was so moved by a film that was as well directed, acted, executed as The Judge. Robert Downey, Jr. is a cutthroat Chicago lawyer who doesnt lose cases. He takes on cases where he already knows the clients guilt and therefore makes the big bucks to defend them- and win. When he gets a call (during court) that his mother has died in Indiana, he is forced to go back to the place hed rather forget, to her funeral. His two brothers, one older (Vincent DOnofrio) and one younger, (Jeremy Strong) and his father, 42-year judge in the small town of Carlinville, Indiana, and talk about dysfunctional. There is serious estrangement between Hank (RD jr) and his father, Judge Joseph Palmer, going way back to Hanks teen years and an accident that involved his older brother. Besides the discomfort between Hank and Joseph, there is the added stress that Hanks marriage back in Chicago has crumbled, and his wife is filing for a divorce. They have one young daughter, who adores her dad, and vice-versa. As Hank is on the plane about to leave Carlinville, he gets a call from his brother that his dad is accused of vehicular manslaughter, and he returns. A complex, troubled relationship unfolds as Hank tries to help his stubborn father and keep him from going to trial. Throughout the movie, the acting is sublime. The subtle facial nuances and the absolutely palpable emotion between Hank and the Judge, as he calls his father, are gut-wrenching. I see a well-deserved Oscar nod for both RDjr and the amazing Robert Duvall for these fabulous performances. Good supporting performances as well from the aforementioned and Vera Farmiga. My friend and I both wanted to go live in Carlinville- such a beautiful little town, but in reality, it was Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, that stood in for Indianas fictional Carlinville. Director (and co-writer) David Dobkin (The Wedding Crashers) wanted a Norman Rockwell town that felt emotional to him, and the western Massachusetts town was perfect. Let me say it was certainly emotional for my friend and me, and everyone in earshot I could hear sniffling and blowing their noses toward the end of the film. Dont miss this one. I give it an easy ★★★★. Perfection. https://youtube/watch?v=7TA5Y86yAo4
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:59:42 +0000