“The Judge” has a fantastic cast led by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall along with wonderful cinematography, so why is it so underwhelming?
The fatal flaw in “The Judge” is in an uneven script from Nick Schenk and Bill Dubuque, the sum of which isn’t as good as its individual parts.
A film about relationships blanketed within a courtroom drama, each element of “The Judge” is very well done, but none of the elements fit together.
Duvall and Downey Jr.’s up and down relationship is the heart and soul of “The Judge,” and in that respect, the film works. Scenes that feature the duo alone are the best in the film.
However, it’s the unnecessary placement of Dax Shepherd as a bumbling lawyer assigned to Duvall’s case and Vera Farmiga as Downey Jr.’s ex-girlfriend that overextend the 141-minute film by at least 25 minutes.
“The Judge” is worth a rental for Duvall and Downey Jr.’s performances, but doesn’t hit enough high points to make it worth rushing out to see in theaters.
James Corden is going to be a big star.
The 36-year-old Brit will soon take over for Craig Ferguson as host of CBS’ The Late Late Show and plays a sizable role in the musical “Into The Woods,” which opens in theaters Christmas Day.
Movie goers can get an advance peek at one of Europe’s best kept secrets beginning Friday as Corden’s latest film, “One Chance,” opens in limited release.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1wtq5hN2eOE
Corden stars as Paul Potts, a small-time cell phone salesman who attempts to hit it big as an opera star. The film is based on a true story as Potts was the first winner of the “Britain’s Got Talent” competition and has gone on to star in a number of top operas internationally.
There’s not really much to “One Chance” that hasn’t been seen in some form or other before. It’s your standard biopic in every single way.
Only one thing makes “One Chance” worth seeing: Corden.
The sweetness and charm he is able to bring to a character lacking in development within the film transcends what is otherwise a routine movie.
Though the film lacks the depth of the surprisingly similar “Julie and Julia,” “One Chance” makes the most out of its 103 minute running time, which doesn’t feel overly long.
Cinematic Considerations 