Big-city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
Hank Palmer is a successful defense attorney in Chicago, who is getting a divorce. When His brother calls with the news that their mother has died, Hank returns to his childhood home to attend the funeral. Despite the brittle bond between Hank and the Judge, Hank must come to his father's aid and defend him in court. Here, Hank discovers the truth behind the case, which binds together the dysfunctional family and reveals the struggles and secrecy of the family.Written by
Warren D'Souza
First feature release from "Team Downey", Robert Downey, Jr. and wife Susan Downey's production company. See more »
Goofs
When Hank is at the diner just before heading to his mother's funeral, he has stubble on his upper lip, but a few minutes later, at the cemetery, he is clean-shaven. See more »
Quotes
[first lines]
Mike Kattan:
[stomping into the mens room]
You're not getting away with this. Palmer, you asshole!... Hey!
Hank Palmer:
[turning toward him getting him wet]
Yeah. Oops.
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Really a sentimental melodrama more than hardcore courtroom fare, The Judge is overly long and has a subplot concerning Downey's character and an ex girlfriend that wastes screen time and adds nothing to the story.
Nevertheless, Downey demonstrates why he is one of the best actors of his generation. Duvall, whose legacy has long been established, doesn't coast on his reputation. He plays his character to the max.
Good supporting performances by Vincent Donofrio, Billy Bob Thornton, and Dax Shepard.
Movies like this that lack fast action and are not greatly suspenseful depend on our ability to identify with the characters. That requires a good script and good actors. The script is somewhat cumbersome, with overly long scenes and the aforementioned irrelevant sub plot. But the two star performers are top notch. Definitely worth a watch.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Really a sentimental melodrama more than hardcore courtroom fare, The Judge is overly long and has a subplot concerning Downey's character and an ex girlfriend that wastes screen time and adds nothing to the story.
Nevertheless, Downey demonstrates why he is one of the best actors of his generation. Duvall, whose legacy has long been established, doesn't coast on his reputation. He plays his character to the max.
Good supporting performances by Vincent Donofrio, Billy Bob Thornton, and Dax Shepard.
Movies like this that lack fast action and are not greatly suspenseful depend on our ability to identify with the characters. That requires a good script and good actors. The script is somewhat cumbersome, with overly long scenes and the aforementioned irrelevant sub plot. But the two star performers are top notch. Definitely worth a watch.