Release: 2014-10-08
Runtime: 2h 21m (141 minutes)
A successful lawyer returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral only to discover that his estranged father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder.
Watch this on:
Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga, Leighton Meester, more
Robert Downey Jr.
as Hank Palmer
Vera Farmiga
as Samantha Powell
Leighton Meester
as Carla Powell
Billy Bob Thornton
as Dwight Dickham
Vincent D'Onofrio
as Glen Palmer
David Krumholtz
as Mike Kattan
Robert Duvall
as Joseph Palmer
Dax Shepard
as C.P. Kennedy
Jeremy Strong
as Dale Palmer
Grace Zabriskie
as Mrs. Blackwell
Balthazar Getty
as Deputy Hanson
Sarah Lancaster
as Lisa Palmer
Robert Downey Jr.
Executive Producer
Ishaan Khatter
Second Assistant Director
Janusz Kamiński
Director of Photography
Thomas Newman
Original Music Composer
David Dobkin
Director
David Dobkin
Producer
David Dobkin
Story
Keith Campbell
Stunt Coordinator
Bill Dubuque
Screenplay
Susan Downey
Producer
Nick Schenk
Screenplay
Nick Schenk
Story
A successful lawyer returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral only to discover that his estranged father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder.
Defend your Honor.
The Judge is a legal drama film released on 10 October 2014. Directed by David Dobkin, the movie features a talented cast, including Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, alongside Vera Farmiga, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shepard, and Billy Bob Thornton.
The story revolves around Hank Palmer, a sharp and often abrasive lawyer from Chicago. Hank is known for defending high-profile clients regardless of their guilt. His life takes a turn when he returns to his hometown of Carlinville, Indiana, to attend his mother’s funeral. This trip reunites him with his family, including his estranged father, Judge Joseph Palmer, played by Duvall.
The relationship between Hank and his father is strained due to past conflicts, particularly after a tragic car accident during Hank's youth that left his brother injured. This unresolved tension complicates their interactions, especially when Judge Palmer becomes a suspect in a hit-and-run case involving a man he previously sentenced to prison.
As the trial unfolds, Hank takes on the role of his father's defense attorney. He discovers that the Judge is battling terminal cancer, which affects his memory and judgment. This revelation adds layers to their relationship, as Hank grapples with the truth and his father's past decisions.
The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on 4 September 2014 and premiered in Los Angeles on 1 October 2014, before its wide release. Despite receiving mixed reviews, critics praised the performances of Downey and Duvall, particularly noting Duvall’s portrayal of the complex Judge Palmer. His performance earned him several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The movie had a budget of $45 to $50 million and grossed around $84.4 million worldwide. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating that suggests mixed reviews, with critics often mentioning the film's predictability despite its strong emotional performances.
Overall, The Judge explores themes of family, redemption, and the struggles of confronting one's past. It manages to balance courtroom drama with personal conflicts, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
