Movie Poster

Everyone wants Atticus Finch until there's a dead hooker in a bathtub.

# Review

Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is a high-flying and arrogant criminal defense lawyer who protects clients he knows to be guilty. When his mother passes away, Hank returns to smalltown Indiana where his estranged father, Judge Palmer (Robert Duvall), has served as the local judge for decades. Judge gets accused of a fatal hit-and-run and Hank defends his father.

While the story has elements of mystery and courtroom drama, the core story is about an estranged son’s relationship with his father. The story explores their relationship and their history and the carefree and snarky Hank makes a great foil for the stern and overbearing Judge. The story also explores Hank’s relationships with other characters from his past, such as his brothers Glen (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Dale (Jeremy Strong), and his ex-girlfriend Sam (Vera Farmiga). I was initially expecting a legal thriller with many plot twists, but instead I got a very sullen and intimate family drama with great acting. Even the supporting cast, which includes Billy Bob Thornton's prosecutor (which reminded me of Goliath), were great in their roles.

# Conclusion

A slow story with incredible performances from Downey Jr. and Duvall.

# Overall rating: 7.5

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