Judy

Roadside Attractions | Release Date: September 27, 2019

6.7	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 138 Ratings

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tropicAcesSep 27, 2019

I mean, it’s a biopic. It has flashbacks that are sometimes interesting but apart from one don’t serve any true purpose to the story, and there are elements of her present-day life that feel underused, unaddressed or just plain awkward.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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Compi24Oct 8, 2019

Considering the life that common knowledge tells us Judy Garland lived, I'm not sure how anyone can consider "Judy" anything short of sanitized. This woman's existence was horrific, and -- in a kind of metaphysically twisted way -- aConsidering the life that common knowledge tells us Judy Garland lived, I'm not sure how anyone can consider "Judy" anything short of sanitized. This woman's existence was horrific, and -- in a kind of metaphysically twisted way -- a considerable amount of that pain was caused by the same sort of forces that have disinfected the harsh bits from this story -- show business. Crimes committed against our protagonist are only alluded to. Tragic acts enacted by the protagonist are only mentioned and then nothing more. Pivotal, potentially dynamic characters are either tossed aside or entirely left out. It's a damned shame.

I know it sounds like I'm really chewing this movie out, but it's because of the few moments of brilliance throughout and what I'm sure are the very kind intentions behind this film that really leave me feeling cold in the end.

The in vogue approach for biopics nowadays is to pick a specific portion of a subject's life, and try telling the story behind that period to the best of one's abilities. For Judy Garland, I think I would've preferred the more traditional biopic approach. If you want to really make me feel for Judy Garland, give me the exhaustive, A to Z, warts and all approach. Because, from what I understand, her entire life was really that affecting.

"Judy" is fine. Almost frustratingly so. And not even the incredible efforts of Renee Zellweger can elevate an approach that really needed to be fine tuned from jump.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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MattBrady99Oct 5, 2019

"You won't forget me will you?...Promise you won't"

'Judy' isn't anything special as a movie, but at least offers a respectful perspective on the final years of Judy Garland's life. Renée Zellweger, on the other hand, was the glue that hold"You won't forget me will you?...Promise you won't"

'Judy' isn't anything special as a movie, but at least offers a respectful perspective on the final years of Judy Garland's life.

Renée Zellweger, on the other hand, was the glue that hold this together. Her embodiment of Garland is truly remarkable. I didn't see Renee. I see nothing but Judy. Everything from her long eyelashes, crooked smile, and the brutal aftermath of Hollywood.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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norcalmatthewb2Sep 27, 2019

This was one of the best film experiences of my life. Loved every minute of this movie. Gave me chills multiple times. I laughed and cried. Renée Zellweger’s performance is definitely Oscar worthy.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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foxgroveOct 7, 2019

The first thing to be said about 'Judy' is that Renee Zellweger gives a very good performance. Whether or not it is a good characterisation of Judy Garland is another matter altogether. All too often one can see the familiar inflections ofThe first thing to be said about 'Judy' is that Renee Zellweger gives a very good performance. Whether or not it is a good characterisation of Judy Garland is another matter altogether. All too often one can see the familiar inflections of Zellweger behind the mask. However, she is still the best thing about a film that is wildly uneven in nearly every aspect. Some scenes ignite, whilst others count for little. The backstory and screenplay are just not worthy of the central performance and the film ultimately seems like a series of vignettes of varying quality. A lot has been commented on about Zellweger's lack of a singing voice to be compared with that of Garland. This may well be true but, for me who is not a Garland aficionado, she seemed absolutely fine. Of course this brings me back to my first point and hinges on whether or not you are comparing her to Garland (which ultimately we are being asked to do)or just enjoying a consummate performance of someone who could be playing anyone. So what works: Well, a scene of two devout fans meeting her at the stage door and taking her home for a late night supper is beautifully played, as are most of the staged musical numbers (appreciation of the voice not withstanding). Flashbacks to Garland as a young girl are also pointedly compelling. Costumes are evocative and the make-up is generally very convincing. However, even here at certain angles, the real Zellweger shines through to remind us of the artifice. The last twenty minutes packs an undeniable emotional punch with Zellweger emoting 'Over The Rainbow' to moving effect, despite some rather jarring, not to mention manipulative, direction from Rupert Goold. Overall not bad but, it should, and could have been so much better.… Expand