Free And For Me

Last week The MOMS hosted a private screening of The Judge, starring Robert Downey Junior.

This is one movie I could not wait to see.  When I received my invitation I was so excited!  I had seen numerous trailers either by myself or with someone and if someone was with me I would say, “I have to see this movie.”  That time has come and gone and I loved it!!!!

This movie was more than I expected.  It was so good, I have been telling everyone they have to see it!  Despite what critics are saying I like Robert Downey Jr. outside of The Iron Man suit.

The Judge is a powerful film that touched me in many ways, as mother and as a child.  It had an old fashioned feel, in which I have not seen in a long time.

In this film  the Palmer family is experiencing family tension.  Hank Palmer (Robert Downey) returns to his childhood home.  His father (Robert Duvall), the town judge, is suspected of murder and all of the drama unfolds forcing father and son to reconnect.

The family dynamics were very realistic.  The relationship between father and son were believable.   I sat in the theater thinking of the times, I have been frustrated with a parent or my parents being frustrated with me.  Like in real life, things get pretty bad and the family bond is very powerful.

Besides, the tension between father and son, Hank has two brothers. Dale (Jeremy Strong) he is  a little slow witted and charming.  He warmed my heart throughout the entire film.  There is also, Glen (Vincent D’Onofrio) a former high school baseball star that is haunted with regret and disappointment that his career came to an end after an accident.  Both brothers have always been there for there father, unlike Hank.

I was in for a huge surprise when I saw Dax Shepard, he played an unseasoned lawyer, that just could not seem to get it together.  I absolutely love Dax Shepard.  Now, don’t get me wrong I love Robert Duvall and Robert Downey also, but Dax was the icing on the cake.  The cherry on top was Billy Bob Thorton.  He played the prosecutor in this film.  We all know he is a great actor and he was great in this film, but I must say he looked really good.  I had to ask my friend seated next to me if that was him.  Again, he looked really good.  

This all star cast was phenomenal.

Besides the cast, many situations were easy to relate to.  There was some symbolism and tradition. For example there is a scene were Hank is rewarding his daughter with one of my childhood favorites.  A piece of Bit-O-Honey.  Later in the film it is revealed that his father would give him the same candy as well. Mind you Hank and his father were at odds for many years.  Despite what trials we may face there is always a connection with our family even when we are trying to fight it.

I was taken in by this movie I did not realize it was 2 hours and 20 minutes in length until the movie ended and I checked my watch.  It was well worth the time.  More movies like The Judge should be made.

The Judge is a must see film, that I plan to purchase when it comes on DVD.

Disclosure:  Product/compensation was received in exchange for review.
Don’t be afraid to be free!!!