Justice (2003)

A comic strip writer in NYC, still grieving over the death of a friend in 9/11, gets his publisher to agree to a limited run of "Justice", a comic book about an ordinary person who is a hero.

Director:

Evan Oppenheimer

Writer:

Evan Oppenheimer

Stars:

Erik Palladino, Michael Jai White, Daphne Rubin-Vega

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Erik Palladino	...	Drew Pettite
Michael Jai White	...	Tre
Daphne Rubin-Vega	...	Roberta
Ajay Naidu	...	Mohammed
Catherine Kellner	...	Mara Seaver
Marisa Ryan	...	Julia
Tom Guiry	...	The Red Anarchist
Joelle Carter	...	Monique
David Patrick Kelly	...	Marty
Michael Ealy	...	Woody
Leo Fitzpatrick	...	The Egg Machine
Larry Pine	...	The Legend
Alan Cox	...	Palm Sunday
Helena Apothaker	...	Helena (as Helena Lewis)
Daniel Cantor	...	Terrence the Ugly American

Storyline

Drew is a cute, dorky comic book writer who's still struggling with crippling grief over losing a close friend to the World Trade Center attack. After his friend's death he yearns to do something meaningful as a tribute to those who died. He cooks up the idea of an "everyday hero," a character based on an average New Yorker without super powers. Drew's idea is that we all are heroes in our own way. The idea of course is lambasted by Drew's colleagues. But after he selects an unwitting person to base his character, Justice, on, the comic becomes a surprise hit. Things get sticky when nosy Village Voice reporter Mara becomes determined to find the true identity of Justice...

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 2003 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Madison Square Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Sand Pictures, Red Anarchist Films LLC

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character Woody (played by Michael Ealy) is an homage to the late writer and journalist Joe Wood.

---

Crazy Credits

One of the production assistants is credited as "Mike the PA"

User Reviews

Compact film packs a punch

Drew, a comic strip writer in NYC, still grieving over the death of a friend in 9/11, gets his publisher to agree to a limited run of "Justice". He finds someone in a pick-up basketball game who fits the type for this comic book about an ordinary person who is a hero - but doesn't get around to getting his permission to use background materials. (background biography, images, etc) which puts Drew in a less-than-ideal situation. Although this is resolved, Drew seems more focused on the character of "Justice" to be dealing out retribution to evil-doers rather than just helping people. This is at odds with the person "Justice" is based on, and disturbs the writer when the more benevolent views surface in a Village Voice article. The "spunky" journalist helps Drew see that however great his grief, life must go on.

Brilliant, concise film with an ending twist you may not see coming . ..