Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Roman J. Israel, Esq.

6

TVJerryDec 7, 2017

Most actors love to challenge themselves with complex and compelling roles and it appears that Denzel Washington is no exception. He plays an attorney with a multitude of idiosyncrasies and a fiercely determined ideology. With various ticksMost actors love to challenge themselves with complex and compelling roles and it appears that Denzel Washington is no exception. He plays an attorney with a multitude of idiosyncrasies and a fiercely determined ideology. With various ticks and an idiosyncratic appearance he staunchly defends his principles until a large corporate attorney (Colin Farrell) introduces him to the business side of the profession. Writer/director Dan Gilroy has presented some interesting situations and allowed Washington to go all out, but there's something complex and confusing about his performance and the statements that the movie is making. Despite an uneven narrative, continuous character setbacks and sometimes abrupt motivations, Washington is worth watching.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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6

ViniciusBritoFeb 18, 2018

This movie is more than anything, a character movie, you keep watching because you want to see his journey and what he is up to, and that is thanks to Denzel work and writing for Dan Gilroy. The story have some quotes that really intriguesThis movie is more than anything, a character movie, you keep watching because you want to see his journey and what he is up to, and that is thanks to Denzel work and writing for Dan Gilroy. The story have some quotes that really intrigues you and make you think, some choices that Roman does. Always with correct attitudes, being the example for a person and trying to help everyone out, trying to make justice and believing, but it shows you what a moment of difficulties can do, making you break into something that you are not, and because of that "easy path", are consequences to deal with. The problem here is the rhythm, sometimes i get bored and disinterested for the situation, plus some sequences are confusing, the slow sequences doesn't work all the time, but for other hand, i was tense in some sequences. The music here is very well chosed, it serves as a narrative factor, talks to what's happening. Overwall is a really slow and interesting movie to watch, it can teach you some good stuff.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

ProteusNov 21, 2017

Gilroy has depth and intelligence built into everything going on here. Denzel is always interesting. Always. But the writing behind things is the real treasure here. Indulge yourself and see this movie.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

BuddahNov 26, 2017

While there are elements of this movie that are lacking, Denzel is pure Denzel and it is such a privilege to be alive during his career. He is just so good sometimes like in this role of Roman J. Israel, Esq. that you come away from hisWhile there are elements of this movie that are lacking, Denzel is pure Denzel and it is such a privilege to be alive during his career. He is just so good sometimes like in this role of Roman J. Israel, Esq. that you come away from his performances with a piece of him attached to your subconscious. He takes a character that lacks charisma and gives him so much that you want to know him, root for him and be his ally. Bravo Mr Washington, bravo!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

robbywarren93Jan 31, 2018

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Denzel Washington gives an amazing performance, truly deserving of all the awards it's been nominated for, it's fast paced and very entertaining.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

AxeTNov 23, 2017

A strong unique character played exceptionally by superstar Denzel Washington is marred by the highly original script's uneven and at times clunky plot machinations along with some false supporting performance notes. It builds and holds wellA strong unique character played exceptionally by superstar Denzel Washington is marred by the highly original script's uneven and at times clunky plot machinations along with some false supporting performance notes. It builds and holds well in its unpredictability only to ultimately bail out in delivering a really great movie.

* note: My review lambasted this writer/director's last movie "Nightcrawler" for its unnecessary unrealistic pervasive vulgar profanity masking weak storytelling, and very interestingly this follow up effort has no cursing whatsoever to its benefit. Coincidence?… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

cine_a_dayNov 25, 2017

An ethical thriller featuring a commanding performance by Denzel Washington. Great music and a tone that keeps you guessing. I've seen it twice and enjoyed the moral dilemmas, Denzel's quick witticisms, and vital critiques of the criminalAn ethical thriller featuring a commanding performance by Denzel Washington. Great music and a tone that keeps you guessing. I've seen it twice and enjoyed the moral dilemmas, Denzel's quick witticisms, and vital critiques of the criminal justice system.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

GreatMartinNov 26, 2017

Denzel Washington never gives less than his best but sometimes even that isn’t enough to save a movie and Dan Gilroy, the director, who also wrote the screenplay, let’s the actor, as the title character, down in the second half of this 2 hourDenzel Washington never gives less than his best but sometimes even that isn’t enough to save a movie and Dan Gilroy, the director, who also wrote the screenplay, let’s the actor, as the title character, down in the second half of this 2 hour and 2 minutes film.
When we first meet Roman he is living in a studio apartment packed to the rafters with papers, books and more pictures on his wall than I have! He is ‘old school’ with his Afro, the way he dresses and, as we quickly learn, a veteran at fighting for civil rights along with being honest, ethical, principled and a savant of law.
He is a partner in a law office where he does all he behind the scenes work and his partner handles all the court dates. Within a day his partner has a heart attack, is certain to die and the law firm has to be dissolved leaving Ramon without a partner, a job, alone and living in the past unable to be part of the present or future. George Pierce, played by Colin Farrell, is brought in by the dying partner’s niece to close the office. Unable to get a job he eventually takes a job at George’s firm. He is also invited to speak at the civil rights organization run by Maya, Carmen Ejogo, where he applied for a job, and she recognizes he is a man this generation owes a debt to for all his years of fighting.
All of a sudden Roman finds himself in front of judges fighting for clients which he shouldn’t be doing for many reasons. It is at this point that the screenplay loses its way and the theme of losing one’s moral center turns into an uninteresting thriller and even Denzel Washington who gives a fine odd-ball character performance loses the audience.
Though it is a given that Farrell is, like Washington, a fine actor the two just don’t seem to be working together in the same film. There definitely should have been more of Carmen Ejogo!
“Roman J. Israel, Esq.” goes downhill after the first hour and really can’t be recommended unless you are a diehard fan of Washington, and I am, but still it is a no.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

RelaxedmikeDec 6, 2017

Critics here gave this movie a 57 average? WOWZER! pretty darn critical I would say. I thought this movie was good. About a 7 and a half. So I gave it an 8. I actually went to college with a black geek like the one Denzel Plays here. GuyCritics here gave this movie a 57 average? WOWZER! pretty darn critical I would say. I thought this movie was good. About a 7 and a half. So I gave it an 8. I actually went to college with a black geek like the one Denzel Plays here. Guy became a Pharmacist. He was smart and very nerdy. Shy but whitty. Had no street sense whatsoever. Denzel made the character Believable.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

VancomycinFeb 3, 2018

Colin and Denzel deliver flawless performances in this Grisham-style film that won't let you down. It contains just enough of all the right engagement qualities to keep you at it's pacing until the credits roll, proving it's gently-made pointColin and Denzel deliver flawless performances in this Grisham-style film that won't let you down. It contains just enough of all the right engagement qualities to keep you at it's pacing until the credits roll, proving it's gently-made point that individuals on the autistic spectrum can be a real joy.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

GinaKNov 27, 2017

I have seen both of Dan Gilroy’s films and admired –- and even liked -- them. Nightcrawler had a great performance by the underappreciated Jake Gyllenhaal (have you seen Nocturnal Animals?), and this film has a fantastic performance by DenzelI have seen both of Dan Gilroy’s films and admired –- and even liked -- them. Nightcrawler had a great performance by the underappreciated Jake Gyllenhaal (have you seen Nocturnal Animals?), and this film has a fantastic performance by Denzel Washington that keeps you watching even when the script and the main character seem to lose their way. The plot meanders and goes on too long, but I was still intensely interested in watching Washington/Israel try desperately to find a way to make a corrupt legal system just a little better while trying to find some personal fulfillment in a very drab and frustrating life. It’s a wonderful performance in a sadly imperfect film. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Colin Farrell who is stuck with an interesting but underwritten character who might just become the next Israel. See this film if you are a Denzel Washington fan like me and have the patience to watch an interesting film that almost (but doesn’t quite) work.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

chrisrank88Nov 26, 2017

A fantastic performance by Denzel Washington carries this novel and engaging legal story about a fringe player with good intentions but unfortunate timing and execution skills. Good supporting cast, direction, and twists keep the plot flowingA fantastic performance by Denzel Washington carries this novel and engaging legal story about a fringe player with good intentions but unfortunate timing and execution skills. Good supporting cast, direction, and twists keep the plot flowing smoothly.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

eagleeyevikingJan 30, 2018

Denzel Washington's and Colin Farrell's commanding performances are barely enough to overcome an uneven script by Dan Gilroy that tries to tackle too many things and ends up diminishing the impact of all.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

section20mi6Mar 11, 2018

Solid performance by Denzel Washington in a close-look character study film that examines a lawyer's troubling personal state and professional career played out in a relatively safe film-making fashion.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

JLuis_001Dec 12, 2017

It wasn't so bad, but the script, well I must say the film in general is never up to Denzel Washington's work
And it also wastes Colin Farrell, so yeah, it's kind of a letdown.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

AndreaMonetDogsNov 24, 2017

now i feel like i am guilty of black cultural appropriation. i have to check my privilege. this movie stirs up thoughts of a less fantastic me #andreamonet ftw

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

amheretojudgeNov 2, 2018

grows out to be a dragger..

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Gilroy's crime drama is a susceptible victim of its own case. Bound in its own mechanical formula, the feature finds itself piled up on, on fulfilling the necessities more than its luxury.grows out to be a dragger..

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Gilroy's crime drama is a susceptible victim of its own case. Bound in its own mechanical formula, the feature finds itself piled up on, on fulfilling the necessities more than its luxury. And hence that results into lesser free range for it to completely open up its hands and welcome the concept or material; it seems like it is taken for granted in here. The narrative is adaptive and layered if not gripping and competent as the makers might suggest. Another major conundrum, is the reminiscence nature script that is on loop, which was intended to create a dramatic impact and instead grows out to be a dragger.

Washington is in his A game. He is vulnerable but not weak, he celebrates and mourns, and he teaches and preaches and in the end most importantly, he learns. Ferrell is supporting him decently but there isn't much material for him to factor in effectively, it is all Washington. The conversations are pragmatic and the dialogues are jaw-dropping-good and with a deliver like Washington, the emotions convey the message crystal clear. Somehow, the tale doesn't feel completely honest, it keeps striking you as a testimony that is polished and filtered and not an honest one; it seems more justified and it makes more sense.

The peak point of the feature itself is mediocre which is something the viewers assumes that it will come in handy considering the plot track, and yet there is very little aspect of cinematic thrills in here. After Nightcrawler, it definitely is a huge step down for Gilroy, the writer-director, whose vision is clearly misplaced and blurred. Roman J. Israel, Esq. is more of a tribute that works only for the makers passion of delivering a cut-throat crime drama, the only issue is, that there is no slicing, no drama and only a bit of a crime involved in it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

KenRSep 25, 2018

Here’s an intriguing story that’s well produced, photographed, and acted - with a standout turn by Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel. The central idea and character are both compelling - offering many beguiling situations throughout itsHere’s an intriguing story that’s well produced, photographed, and acted - with a standout turn by Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel. The central idea and character are both compelling - offering many beguiling situations throughout its fascinating premise. But is it perhaps tending to be let down in the form of a relatively unconvincing turnaround of Roman’s long-held personal principles? Roman has worked in the backroom of a two man law firm for most of his working life. He’s an upper middle-aged character with a superior memory who’s employed to administer advice on complex justice issues. He’s developed limited interpersonal life skills and holds to his strong idealistic beliefs that within an opportunistic law system - the poor have little or no opportunities for true legal justice. He also sees plea bargaining as too often a corrupt method of achieving a ‘just’ outcome. Over several decades, he’s been working on a system to introduce considerable, overdue reforms of the entire justice administration, then... Following a couple of unexpected disruptive events in his somewhat suppressed life – Roman allows himself to give in to corruption and material wealth – all within what seems like a handful of weeks. Washington is so good, he almost convinces us to accept these near outlandish behavioural transitions until it all begins to unravel. Talented writer-director Dan Gilroy edited out several scenes prior to general release and this may have been an unwise decision - with a little more character or script development this fine story could have ended up a great story - as is, it’s a tour de force performance within a most interesting piece of socially aware storytelling - wrapped up in a near perfect movie. Of course, it could be argued that Roman’s physiological disorder might have influenced his uncharacteristic turnaround but, maybe this could also be a long bow to draw(?). Recommended for lovers of interesting movie making that falls just a little short of the goals it strives for - while always remaining above average and definitely well worth seeing.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

imthenoobJul 16, 2023

Washington is great but the movie does so little to keep you interested and often feels very full of itself with how pretentious it can be. I definitely wanted to like it a lot more than I did. The potential was there but the story justWashington is great but the movie does so little to keep you interested and often feels very full of itself with how pretentious it can be. I definitely wanted to like it a lot more than I did. The potential was there but the story just didn't cut it, especially with how slow it was. This could have benefitted from a shorter runtime.… Expand