The Film
Robert Downey, Jr. has been one of Hollywood's strongest actors for about 30 years now. However, most of his recent film efforts have him playing millionaire (billionaire?) playboy Tony Stark and it's gotten to the point where it's hard to tell the difference between the two.
Even though he's awesome as Marvel's biggest box-office draw, The Judge allows Downey to get back to showing off his acting chops in something more dramatic. So he's not saving the world here, but instead trying to save a little part of his estranged family.
Downey stars as hotshot Chicago lawyer Hank Palmer, who never seems to lose a case, no matter how despicable his clients may be. However, when he gets word that his mother has died, he needs to pack up, ditch his wife mid-divorce, and head back to his hometown of Carlinville, Indiana. There, he reunites with his brothers, mechanic Glen (Vincent D'Onofrio) and the film-loving, mentally challenged Dale (Jeremy Strong), as well as his father, the stern Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall).
What should have been a brief, semi-painful family reunion turns into a job, after Hank finds out that his own father may be connected with a fatal hit-and-run involving someone from his past. From there, Hank has to deal with several issues, both past and present.
The Judge has an engaging premise and even though you think you know what's going to happen, well... you're wrong. That's not to say that some of it isn't predictable, but that's not the worst part of the film. It's that it's long; like painfully long, at 141 minutes. (The parts with Vera Farmiga and Leighton Meester seemed crammed in there and really, there could have been a lot less puking.) That said, it's filled with great performances. D'Onofrio is very underrated and Billy Bob Thorton is always a lot of fun to watch. Of course, it's Downey's show. (It always is.) As usual, he's a delight and pairing him up with Duvall gives The Judge enough dramatic power to make your AV setup explode.
The Picture
This film may be a bit on the lengthy side, but there's no arguing that The Judge is a good-looking film. That opening scene with Robert Downey, Jr. and David Krumholtz in the mens' room, with that striking blue tile and the detail on RDJ's aging face and David Krumholtz's stubble, will let you know the type of viewing experience you're getting into. Like the film, however, it's not perfect. There are some darker scenes, where the black levels and detail could use a little boost. However, those well-lit scenes and daytime shots, with blue skies, lush greens and excellent details, all more than make up for those other fleeting moments.
The Sound
The Judge isn't exactly Iron Man (one of my favorites for demos), but it isn't supposed to be. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track sounds just fine. The dialogue is definitely the main focus here -- or more specifically, Robert Downey, Jr.'s dialogue. However, the soundtrack is strong in the surrounds and there are plenty of atmospheric sounds in the diner, at the funeral, in the courtroom, and during the storm that elevate this track a teeny bit. It's not super lively, but you shouldn't have any complaints.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
Warner Bros. has given this Blu-ray a nice AV presentation and a decent collection of extras. However, what really elevates this release is its all-star cast. It could have used a teeny bit more Vincent D'Onofrio, Jeremy Strong and Billy Bob Thornton, but the knockout combo of Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Duvall really make the film. Sure, it's sappy and predictable in some spots and runs a bit too long. But don't judge The Judge too quickly; it's still one that's worth checking out.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
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