Review of The Judge (2014) by Samuelson — 18 Oct 2014

I think Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun Times gave the most accurate review. To me as an average moviegoer it seemed as if this was two movies, sandwiched together to make a one big and a bit too long one. One could have been the family stuff, school boyfriend girlfriend relationship, uncertain children, a big brother's broken career, the accident that caused it, and the final resolve...and the second movie about the judge who was a harsh father, very strict as far as the laws go, but now has a severe illness not told to anyone, and on the top of all that, is now accused of murder, and needs his alienated son (or any lawyer, for that matter) to defend him properly.

The acting is great, and one cannot say anything negative about Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. who delivered great performances as is expected from these two veterans. The movie is filmed in Massachusetts and not the fictional Southern Indiana redneck town of Carlinsville which does not even exist. Although there is actually a Carlinsville, Illinois, which is just about as charming as its fictitious twin in Indiana. One thing I can assure you, there is no owner/waitress in any diner in Carlinsville (fictitious or real) that looks anything like gorgeous Vera Farminga and her daughter in the movie...I swear by it...!

Save your money and watch the movie when it comes out in the Red Box for a dollar a night....