MJB784
The main storyline about the Judge being on trial for murder and his relationship with the son as a lawyer were very entertaining and well done, but it was also about the son's relationship with an ex-girlfriend and if he getting custody over his daughter who visits and his relationship with his brothers (who I found boring) and it tried to be too many things. I wanted to like it, but was slightly disappointed. There's a good movie in the script if it was more focused on the trial and the father - son relationship.
thetwoacorns
Great acting; hits "close to home" family dynamics; nice twists; perfect ending. I actually watched this whole movie instead of leaving to go read.
Jade Chan
Family relationships are often messy, confusing, and heartbreaking. This movie acknowledges that. Family relationships are also honest, tender, central to one's identity. This movie recognizes that, too."The Judge" is a mature movie that takes all the time it needs to establish its characters, their relationships with each other, and to show off their thought processes and evolution. It is in no hurry to enforce opinions on you, doesn't take the easy way out, and lets the viewer draw his own conclusions. The story follows a middle-aged man lawyer who is still struggling in his relationship with his authoritative father, because those are not issues that go away all of a sudden when you're a father yourself; a man full of contradictions and stuck in an eternal defensive attitude. Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. are both outstanding as father as son. Their explosive arguments and the entire dynamic of their relationship feels extremely genuine. All these unspoken resentments, all those little and bigger wounds that never really heal but fester over time are explored. The rest of the family dynamic, from the brothers with whom Hank (Downey) has a rather peaceful and tender relationship to the ex-girlfriend who seems to know him better than anyone, are interesting and authentic. No one is made too likable or given easy forgiveness; the character are nuanced and balanced.The courtroom drama was taken really seriously, too; it was thrilling to me and seemed very authentic. I loved the two other lawyers we encountered, and how different understandings of the law converge in one intense testimony scene. Nothing very Hollywoodesque to the courtroom narrative for me; it almost seemed European in its serious and professional tone (then I'm biased). No big reveal or unnecessary drama, just serious prosecution. Yes, this movie could have been shorter; yes, the story-line is neither original nor mind-blowing. Watch it for Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. and an outstanding supporting cast setting the screen ablaze with emotions; watch it because with all its random elements and bittersweetness and ambivalences, it feels a lot like real life.
Craig
This is one of the films that is enjoyable fare to watch but ultimately a bit shallow and unsatisfying. The plot was entirely predictable throughout and little to nothing was thrown in to challenge that. In order to overcome those failings, a really strong script and performances were needed and this didn't quite get there. The dialogue was OK but nothing special, I thought Robert Duvall was excellent and I also thought Vincent D'Onofrio did well with what he had, more screen time for him would have improved the film. Robert Downey Jr was, well, Robert Downey Jr. Much like Tom Cruise in a role like this, it seems too easy, too predictable, and all a bit contrived. I've seen this character just too many times, and Downey doesn't have the depth to bring anything more to it.A couple of attempts to broaden the plot were left hanging, such as his dalliance with the waitress that could have been his daughter. After the 'reveal' we didn't see her again, it seems she was thrown in to tick another box for the films demographics. We learned little to nothing about the disabled younger brother and after an initial magical moment when Robert Downey Jr's daughter met Robert Duvall, there was no more. Once again we see token female characters thrown in, seemingly to satisfy the need to have female characters in a film. The film didn't need it, either real roles were required or for them to be left out. The main female role of Vera Farmiga was also underdone, seeming the story of her career, a fabulous actress not given the chance to really work.Despite the schmaltz, or because of it, as a parent I found moments in the film genuinely moving, and don't feel I wasted my time watching it. I just can't see me wanting to watch it again.
AD
