About
two weeks ago, my wife and I watched The Judge,
starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Duvall. Downey’s character is a
high-profile criminal defense lawyer. Duvall plays Downey’s father, a
small-town judge. The two men are estranged. Duvall is a pillar of the community
who dispenses rough justice from the bench. Downey is an almost amorally slick
big-city attorney.
A family tragedy brings Downey back
home and forces him to ply his trade on behalf of an unexpected client.
The
Judge convincingly depicts the out-sized status of a leader of a close-knit
community without resorting to stereotypes. While the film is set in rural
Indiana, a few changes accent, scenery, and climate could place it in south
Georgia.
Duvall and Downey’s performances are
delicious. Fans of Big Love will find
Grace Zabriskie’s ornery performance a treat. The Judge is a solid film and well worth watching.
The
Judge is available on Blue-Ray and DVD.
- Klaus
Buck
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