10s Movie Review - The Judge

Director: David Dobkin
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. Robert Duvall, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton, Leighton Meester, Dax Shepard, David Krumholtz, Sarah Lancaster

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 33: A FILM WITH ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
 
Description: Big-city lawyer Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) returns to his childhood home where his father (Robert Duvall), the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth; along the way he reconnects with his estranged family.

Review: Hank Palmer is the last person to care what others think of him. The unstoppable lawyer tells it like it is. Hank is the kind of person who dares to speak the truth, even if others would rather not hear it. He admits that the white-collar criminals he defends are most likely guilty, and that doesn’t bother him: “Innocent people can’t afford me”.

When he returns to his hometown, after his mother passed, he is confronted with everything he fled back then. The untouchable lawyer from Chicago does care about other people’s opinions. In fact, he appears to be deeply hurt. The difficult and destructive relationship with his father is the reason for his departure, years ago. And now his father, the local judge, is suspected of murder. Hanks tries to uncover the truth, and father and son both grow closer and come into direct conflict with each other.

“The Judge” boasts an impressive cast: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Billy Bob Thornton and Vincent D’Onofrio. The first tow in particular are given plenty of room to shine. Downey Jr. is irritating, moving, unyielding and vulnerable all at once. His comedic talent and timing are beyond question. With Hank Palmer, he manages to portray a decisive but also wounded prodigal son.

Director David Dobkin takes the time to introduce the characters and clarify the relationship with the family. the underlying tension between the father and sons is constantly palpable from the moment Hanks returns.

It is also clever how Dobkin unfolds the story. “The Judge” is above all a relational drama, but it is also a courtroom drama. On top of the flawed father-son relationship, there is the murder allegation, which interact with each other, but beyond that there are even more subplots. And all but one of these subplots I really cared about. I didn’t care about the love interest part of the story. They could have left that out.

The film has well-developed characters, excellent performances, a clever structure, and good suspense. I would recommend “The Judge”.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Review - The Gray Man

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page
 
Description: When the CIA’s most skilled operative (Ryan Gosling), whose true identity is known to none, accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague (Chris Evans) puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.

Review: Ryan Gosling is a prisoner, nameless, talking to shady CIA chief Fitzroy recruits him for a team that operates even more secretively than the CIA already does. Under the name Six he manages in a few decades to work his way up to one of the most feared hit men, until he goes a bit over his head during an attack. His new boss Carmichael is not all that happy with his somewhat old-fashioned tactics.

All that remains is for him to gon on the run, where he gets help from the also discredited Dani. Six and Dani flee from Prague to Vienna from Berlin to Croatia, and so on. Meanwhile, Carmichael has enlisted the psychopathic Lloyd to take out Six.

“The Gray ma” is a delightful no-brainer action film with rather standard Bond-elements, but with a wonderful cast. The action especially is very good in this film. And I’m glad it looks good, since it’s one of the most expensive Netflix films ever made. The scenario was a bit predictable and not all that special, but nonetheless it was a very entertaining and enjoyable film.

Ryan Gosling’s character in “The Gray Man” resembles the one he played in “Drive”: nameless, stoic and ruthless. Ana de Armas, who was in the latest Bond-movie, had a bigger role in this film. The one she should have gotten as Bond-girl. I especially really like Chris Evans in his villainous role, quite different from the heroic Captain America.

“The Gray Man” gets a lot of hate, which I don’t fully understand. Because it’s a great time. I get that, for that big of a budget, you expect a more surprising and less standard action flick. But aside from that budget, it’s a fun action movie, though very forgettable.

Rating: 3/ 5

TV Review: "Fargo" Season 1

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime

Year: 2014

Number of episodes: 10

Starring: Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Keith Carradine, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldman, Joey King, Gary Valentine, Kate Walsh, Rachel Blanchard, Joshua Close

Description: Various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. Yet all of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota

Review: Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) lives together with his wife in Minnesota. He works as an insurance salesman in a little town called Bemidji. Lester never achieved anything big. His brother Lester on the other hand, is married to a beautiful woman, has a son and a good job. And Sam Hess, the guy who used to bully Lester in high school, is also doing well. When Lester’s wife is threatening to leave him, he meets a mysterious man. His name is Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) and he tells Lester to stand up for himself. But what Lester doesn’t know is, that when he follows his advice, his life will change forever. While Lester’s life is drastically changing, deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) is working on the case of a possible car accident. In that accident one person has died, but he wasn’t the driver. Molly connects Lester to Lorne and no one takes her seriously.

“Fargo” is based on the movie with the same name, from 1996, which was directed by the Coen brothers. The movie was nominated for seven Oscars and won two of them. The film is one of my favorites. If the TV show could keep the same atmosphere and feel as the film, I was going to love it. The Coen brothers were executive producers on this project. The TV show is amazing!

Billy Bob Thornton is brilliant! His humor is just genius, so dark yet hard not to laugh. His role doesn’t make “Fargo” just a crime drama, he adds comedy as well. And so does Martin Freeman. His character kind of reminds me of William H. Macy’s performance in the movie version. Freeman does such a fantastic job as someone who never did anything noteworthy and now is living in a nest full of lies. Created by himself. And he gets more and more creative with it. I also loved Allison Tolman, who played my favorite character on the show. It’s hard to dislike her, just like Marge Gunderson in “Fargo” the film. Molly is so determined to find the right person, even when no one believes her. And then there is Colin Hanks, who plays Gus. A cop that actually always dreamed of being a mailman. He is not very good at his cop job, but he is so loveable and sweet.

The setting of the show is beautiful, all the snowy landscapes. This also adds to the mystery of the entire show.

Some people complained about the ending of the show. I think it was good, especially Lester’s part of the story.

“Fargo” was even better than I initially expected. I’m ready to watch season 2 as well, even though it has a complete different cast.

Top 5 Thursday: Fargo Season 1 Characters

I just binge watched the first season of the Netflix show “Fargo” and I loved it. The perfect time to make a top 5 dedicated to this show. So, I made a top 5 of my favorite characters from the first season of “Fargo”.

5. Lou Solverson

Lou is Molly’s father and owns a diner. He was once a cop too, just like his daughter. He seems pretty happy with his job now and always looks out for Molly. He is afraid that something might happen to her, because it’s such a dangerous job.

 

 

4. Gus Grimly

Gus is a cop, but it’s not his dream job. He actually always wanted to be a mailman. Gus is somewhat clumsy and not very persuasive as a police officer. He is such a sweet man, perfect for Molly.

 

 

3. Lester Nygaard

Lester looks like you’re average neighbor. But he is nothing more than a liar. And he makes up lie after lie after lie. You have to hand it to him, he is pretty creative with his cover up. But we all know that the truth will be revealed somehow.

 

 

2. Lorne Malvo

Okay, he’s not a nice character. He is a killer, a cold blooded and relentless killer. But he is such an interesting character and he is portrayed perfectly by Billy Bob Thornton.

 

 

1. Molly Solverson

Don’t send a woman to do a man’s job? Well, this female deputy is the only one doing her job well. The murder case is keeping her awake at night and she doesn’t rest until the right man is behind bars.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Bill Oswalt

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 102: Entourage

Director: Doug Elin

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connelly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, Jeremy Piven, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Perrey Reeves, Rex Lee, Debi Mazar, Ronda Rousey, Haley Joel Osment, Billy Bob Thornton, Constance Zimmer

Description: Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrien Grenier), together with his boys Eric (Kevin Connelly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), and Johnny (Kevin Dillon), are back - and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) on a risky project that will serve as Vince's directorial debut.

 

Review: The TV show “Entourage” was very popular, it ran from 2004 till 2011 on HBO. The adventures of Vince Chase and his close entourage get another shot in a full length film. Like the show there are lots of beautiful women, famous locations and many cameos.

Vincent Chase wants to direct his next movie, where he will also star in and his brother Johnny “Drama” will also have a role. Ari Gold, once his agent, is now a big moviemaker and he trusts Vince with a million dollar project.

Financially, it’s getting a little bit out of hand. A big shot in Texas and his son want to invest, but that’s when the real problems start.

As you can see, the synopsis sounds like any other “Entourage” season, only this time an entire season is put into one movie. Or, it’s an extended episode. The movie brings you nothing new, it’s just enjoyable for the fans of the show.

“Entourage” is fun for one time, but if you skip it you wouldn’t really miss a thing.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 38: The Ice Harvest

Director: Harold Ramis

Genre: Comedy/ Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 92 minutes

Year: 2005

Starring: John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Connie Nielsen, Ned Bellamy, Mike Starr, Oliver Platt

Description: A shady lawyer (John Cusack) attempts a Christmas Eve crime, hoping to swindle the local mob out of some money. But his partner (Billy Bob Thornton), a strip club owner, might have different plans for the cash.

Review: Christmas Eve is a traditional, cozy night where you spend time with your family and loved ones. In “The Ice Harvest” it’s not that idyllic. Because like they say in the movie: “Only morons are nice on Christmas”.

Lawyer Charlie and partner Vic stole money from Charlie’s boss. Before they can run away, they have a few hours to kill. They want to act as normal as possible, but off course that doesn’t happen. A man called Roy, a hitman working for Charlie’s boss, is looking for the two men. When it comes to money, you can’t trust anyone. Vic isn’t planning on sharing the money with Charlie.

One of the first things you notice in “The Ice Harvest”, is the film-noir style. Especially in the character of Renata, Charlie’s love interest. Renata is an old school femme fatale. The dialogues in the movie are very good, only a shame that the story develops slowly.

“The Ice Harvest” is a dark comedy. John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton are perfect for this genre. Cusack is the one you sympathize with and Thornton is, as always, a little bit weird. Their collaboration is surprising and fun.

“The Ice Harvest” is an anti-Christmas movie, with great humor and a good cast. Great for the fans of film-noir movies and dark humor.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 37: Parkland

Director: Peter Landesman

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Runtime: 93 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Marcia Gay Harden, Matt Barr, Zac Efron, Mallory Moye, Paul Giamatti, Bitsie Tulloch, Ron Livingston, Jason Douglas, David Harbour, James Badge Dale, Larry Jack Dotson, Austin Nichols, Billy Bob Thornton, Jonathan Breck, Eugene Lee, Nico Evers-Swindell, Irene White, Luci Christian, Kate Steffens, Tom Welling, Mark Duplass, Gil Bellows, Sean McGraw, Brett Stimely, Paul Sparks, Samuel Davis, Colin Hanks, Gary Grubbs, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeremy Strong, Jackie Weaver

Description: A recounting of the chaotic events that occurred at Dallas' Parkland Hospital on the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Review: A lot of people remember where they were on November 22nd 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was killed. Now fifty years and many books, movies and documentaries later, director Peter Landesman manages to give us a new perspective on the assassination. “Parkland” isn’t a reconstruction of the murder itself, but it tells the story of the people that have witnessed the event and were close to the president at that time. The impact this shooting had on the doctors that treated him, the FBI and the cameraman who filmed it. In “Parkland” three days are depicted from the point of view of different characters.

There is an important role for the medical staff of the Parkland hospital in Dallas. They tried to save the life of JFK. Then there is Abraham Zapruder, the man that captured the shooting on camera. The movie adds another layer by showing us the point of view of shooter Lee Harvey Oswald and how his family deals with this event.

Because “Parkland” has many characters and perspectives, it’s sometimes very chaotic. This chaos makes the movie hard to follow sometimes and also doesn’t give any characters any depth. The whole thing looks unrealistic. Even though “Parkland” doesn’t convince completely, it’s a good try on telling the story from a different vision.

Peter Landesman shoots a movie from unknown and interesting perspective, but doesn’t manage to convince the audience.

Rating: 2,5/ 5