Warner Bros. | Release Date: October 10, 2014
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 281 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
200
Mixed:
60
Negative:
21
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3
mustard_tigerOct 10, 2014
I saw this at TIFF and I've had a month to process. The bad reviews by the critics really do say it all and the good reviews highlight how the meta critic system can be flawed. Rex reed gave this move 4 stars so it gets 100 here, thatI saw this at TIFF and I've had a month to process. The bad reviews by the critics really do say it all and the good reviews highlight how the meta critic system can be flawed. Rex reed gave this move 4 stars so it gets 100 here, that doesn't seem right. I don't believe for a second that anyone honestly feels this is a perfect movie.

Its far from being a terrible movie but its got more cliches per square inch than anything I've ever seen. Writing a character that is described as "big city lawyer" should be up there with villains twirling their long mustaches to show they are evil in this day and age. it also has an industrial heart string pulling machine in it because they try for everything. Here are some of the things that the film makers hope you can identify with:

Strained relationship with a parent
Cancer
Dead mom
Funerals!
Small town living
Regrets from being an out of control teen

None of it really matters because its star power that drives this ship and for the past month I've been hearing and reading people basically going nuts for RDJ. OMG I love RDJ, he is the best... why is Ironman in court? its Tony Stark goes to Washington I'm totally going to watch it. Please don't get me wrong, he is awesome as Tony Stark/Iron Man.

Maybe I don't watch enough "big" movies and I'm holding it to an unrealistic standard but it just keeps going through my head that so much money and effort when into making everything look great but in the end its such an uninspired forgettable movie. Its like you are in France and go the the best cafe expecting the best coffee and crescent of your life but you get a coke with a twinkie. Its Coke made with real sugar and they put it in a glass and the twinkie on a plate but that doesn't change what it is.

I think the movie is going to do alright in theaters and very well as burned DVDs for grandparents
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1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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3
SamuelsonOct 19, 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 familyI 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....and enjoy the popcorn!
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0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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2
TotallyEpicHDNov 8, 2014
This film sets high expectations that it just couldn't deliver, with an all star cast put to waste. The Judge craves critic's attention, and they don't seem to be buying it..
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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0
YungWonder21Mar 5, 2015
Awful awful awful awful worst movie I've ever **** seen god damn gay as **** I'm just typing more characters to fulfill the 150 character quota but 4real The Judge sucks so much Jesus God.
0 of 7 users found this helpful07
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1
fukery3Oct 3, 2015
This is a great movie to drink too. If you're decently **** you forget the plot holes, contrivances, and cliches.

Actually, its the only way to make this movie watchable since you can view it as an unintentional comedy and idiotic ****
This is a great movie to drink too. If you're decently **** you forget the plot holes, contrivances, and cliches.

Actually, its the only way to make this movie watchable since you can view it as an unintentional comedy and idiotic **** like incest subplots become funny.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
jake_gibbsMay 23, 2015
I could not believe how bad this movie was. Stereotypes, cliches, and corniness galore: overly demanding authoritarian dad, slick city lawyer returns to small town, sympathetic mentally disabled son, star athlete son whose career was cutI could not believe how bad this movie was. Stereotypes, cliches, and corniness galore: overly demanding authoritarian dad, slick city lawyer returns to small town, sympathetic mentally disabled son, star athlete son whose career was cut short by tragedy. And worst of all, a goofy, small town lawyer who's so nervous he throws up every day before court. So we're to believe that after sitting on the bench for 40 years, this is the best a county judge could get to defend himself on a murder charge? Such an insult to Duvall, Downey and co. The only believable characters/performances were Vera Farmiga and Billy Bob Thornton in supporting roles. The Duvall best actor nomination was obviously a lifetime achievement nod: he's a great actor, but this was his worst performance I've seen. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
68CamaroFeb 28, 2015
As the story drags on, the story starts to fray despite the strong characters present. Rookie writer twist and mini-stories placed in the story show that this is a movie where the screen writers and directors were searching for anything theyAs the story drags on, the story starts to fray despite the strong characters present. Rookie writer twist and mini-stories placed in the story show that this is a movie where the screen writers and directors were searching for anything they could to keep the momentum going. Pass on it. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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