This emotionally exhausting movie has a superb cast, but the plot is a little stereotypical.
This film shows the story of Henry Palmer, a successful lawyer, who returns to his hometown of Carlinville, Indianna for his mother's funeral only to discover that his estranged father, Judge Joseph Palmer, is suspected of murder. He has to now defend his father in court against Dwight Dickham, a prosecutor determined to see Joseph put away.
The part of Henry was clearly written for Robert Downey Jr. and he plays it superbly. The role is very reminsent of other characters Downey Jr. has portrayed before, most notable Tony Stark (Iron Man films). Downey Jr. gives a powerful performance, but due to the lack of plot and the pace at which the plot moves he is certainly let down in this part.
The supporting cast is also quite strong with Robert Duvall playing Judge Joseph Palmer and really giving off an unnerving presence onscreen. Billy Bob Thornton plays prosecuting lawyer Dwight Dickham and while he delivers his performance with a sense of contempt he doesn’t give a sense of threat, which is required for the role.
The story itself is quit stereotypical, Nick Schenk and Bill Dubuque penned the script and while the characters in their own right were generally strong the plot didn’t have anywhere to progress after the first hour. The storyline was very predictable and while you felt for the onscreen characters you already knew the outcome.
Overall this film has powerhouse performances but it is spoilt be a mediocre script.
3.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Movie screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas