The Judge

Judges in small towns, two Roberts try to make it work

A lawyer from the Big City, Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is brought back home for the funeral of his mother. The estranged relationship he has with his father (Robert Duvall) weighs on him throughout his visit. As he and his father fall out for the second time he boards a plane to go home. Right before he leaves, his eldest brother (Vincent D'Onofrio) calls him to explain that their father is being interviewed by the police for a murder charge. Hank shows back up to defend his father; but, he will have to go through his resentment, and a lawyer (Billy Bob Thornton) with an ax to grind.

The story here is played out, but not necessarily horrible. We all know the story, but have learned to appreciate that it has to come around once a year. The story in question is: big city person goes home after trying to forget it, and learns to try and make good. The thing that separates this story (somewhat) from the others is that it tries to force two people into liking each other through various circumstances. The murder charge is interesting enough, the court scenes are good, the background of the characters are fun; but, we all know how this is going to end. I won't spoil it, but you can post your predictions in the comments and will most likely be right. The journey is the selling point for most movies like this, and while most try to take a more comedic route, this takes the road less traveled and goes the way of drama mixed with bits and pieces of comedic relief. I wouldn't say that this is going to turn anyone's head in the theater, or put you on the edge of your seat; but, it is pleasant enough to sit through. Completely serviceable as one of those stories you put on while you wait for Netflix to get new episodes of your favorite television show.

It seems that the style of this film tried to mimic the outdated plot devices showcased here by feeling old. This is absolutely not a bad thing, in fact quite the opposite. I love a movie that takes the time to feel old, and new at the same time; especially, when given the source material. You can see bits of air peppered with dust, or thread from clothing. You can practically feel the old wood of a longstanding courthouse beneath your finger tips. You can smell that pungent odor that wafts through your grandparents house, like Bengay and old cloth. That last one might have just been because I went to theater in Florida: The state where people go to die. Regardless, the movie had a defining quality to it that stuck through the running time, and it was a quality that seems to have been cast aside in recent years. The quality that gives the film a more "welcome home" feeling that movies like this never seem to master.

When you take two actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall you can predict that at least one thing will go right with the film, and it does. These two are fantastic actors, and I am never disappointed when I sit through their performances; but, what about the others? Dax Shepard seems to have finally grown into his paws, discarding that wacky friend character that we knew from Hit and Run and Without a Paddle. I'm not saying we will never see that character again, but this was definitely a welcome switch. I may be alone when I say that I love seeing comedians or comedic actors do a more serious role, but I don't think anyone can deny that Dax put his best foot forward here. Billy Bob Thornton seems to have gone back to serious acting for this picture, and it is as welcome as Dax's change of pace. I like seeing Billy as an asshole that dresses up as Santa or an asshole that teaches kids to play baseball, but I always like seeing him play a serious role a little more. Either way he does phenomenally, this is just my preference. The rest of the cast does well, (especially Jeremy Strong as the younger brother) and keeps my attention right where it should be... as much as the story dropped the ball in places.

Final Verdict: Rent it As much as I love the performances given and the overall style it just wasn't enough for me to tell you all to see this in theaters. If you are looking to see Robert Downey Jr. play a good father, and estranged son, then go see this movie. You know you won't be disappointed with the performance at least.