Directed by David Dobkin
October 2014.
The Judge (15)
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga
The crime aspect of the story is actually a pretty minor sidebar, although Billy Bob Thornton is a lot of fun as the opposing attorney. The real story is the truth about the complex family relationships, and I really liked that the initial and obvious 'dad's an old bigot, son is a cocky big shot' impression is a lot more interesting and involving. Vera Farmiga pops up as an old girlfriend from Downey's past and again, they manage to make what at first glance is a cliched role, much more interesting.
At over 2 hours, the film is a bit overlong, but the actors are classy, and the painful family dynamics are engrossing. It's nice to see a film that isn't a remake, a sequel or an adaptation of a book/ comic book.
7/10
Back to Movies page
Back to main page