Review of The Judge (2014) by Julio R — 30 Jan 2017

Mike Kattan (David Krumholtz): And how does it feel, Hank? Knowing that every client you represent is guilty?

Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.): It's fine. Innocent people can't afford me.

RDJ plays a lovable a-hole all too well. The on-screen chemistry between him and his movie-dad (portrayed by the great and talented Robert Duvall) was nothing short of explosive. They really played well off of each other; I wouldn't be surprised if both these actors really hated each other, the animosity between them was so believable. But then again, both these men are such good thespians, they could the best of friends and still have the mad skills to sell a performance like that. The story was interesting, good conclusion; it's not too Disney-esque where everyone lives happily ever after, although the ending is a little too wrapped-in-a-nice-neat-bow for my taste. Mad props to the supporting cast, their performance were equally strong that it helped me as an audience immerse myself in the film almost completely. Billy Bob Thorton portrayed cool, "snake-charmer" lawyer Dwight Dickman so well, I almost liked him as a character. David Krumholtz (Mike Kattan) and Vera Farmiga (Sam Powell) are always a treat to watch because they are just gifted character actors, and who would have though Dax Shepard (C.P. Kennedy) was a decent serious actor too? Overall, the film was interesting, a little stereotypical as far as the conclusion but altogether entertaining enough to watch.