In Theaters: November 22, 2017
On DVD/Blu-ray: February 13, 2018
PG-13 | Drama | 2h 9m
Based on 40 votes and 16 reviews.
I waited a few days before writing this review. Critique: The movie does not state that Israel (Denzel) is a savant. Reference is made to Israel being a savant. The notion that since "attorney" Israel displays exceptional memory makes him necessarily savant is a fallacy. One of many important measures for anyone pursuing a law degree is willingness to read, the ability to memorize large amounts of information, and to possess excellent analytical skills and abilities. I have known people with high mental acuity: They read the outlines, the case book end of chapter reviews and summaries only, and use their intuition and ability to rule in or out on MCQs tests. They passed law school and became lawyers. Are they savants? No. In the past, lawyers have scored high on IQ tests. Savants generally have scored low on IQ tests "while demonstrating exceptional skills in certain areas." We do not know if Israel scored low on IQ and high on the LSAT. If we did, then we can infer this would be the one area where Israel was exceptional. How would we know since the movie did not add this material to the movie content. The movie plot was not fully developed. And I do not get why Israel did what he did. I did not like the idiosyncrasy the Israel character demonstrated. I thought Denzel was in role in most scenes and off in some. Be a savant But don't be a savant, and awkward, and street smart at the time. My critique goes to the director / producer Not the Actors. Colin Farrell did an amazing job being the stereotypical big firm corporate lawyer with excellent marketing skills (it's all about billable hours) with Colin turning into a more compassionate and reflective attorney by the end of the story. Carmen Ejogo was super amazing as the professional woman (holding her own) who inadvertently starts to fall for the awkward Israel. Ejogo spoke her lines with the right emotion for each scene – convincing! The movie is entertaining and I have no regret paying
I have to agree on the lack of plot in this movie .Denzels characters portrayal was great but, the movie keeps building to what you think is going to be some great ending and then .......nothing . Could have been a great movie if it had a better ending IMO.
I loved Danzel's portrayal of his character but the plot wasn't to my liking more intrigue or action was needed.
Sorry to poo on the parade but this wasn't a very good movie.Washington played a good role but there wasn't enough plot or story line to make it interesting.
Has Denzel Washington made any poor movies? Here, he moves well away from type as an overweight. poorly dressed, socially awkward savant with 3 loves - the law, pursuit of social justice, and music. Great adult movie for those who like adult movies....guru bob
Denzel knows how to get in to a character who seeks to address racial injustice. Keep these coming!