jake_gibbs

Disappointing. Acting was very good, especially Paul Giamatti, but film often dragged for long stretches of time and the depressing elements trumped the interesting elements.

I could not believe how bad this movie was. Stereotypes, cliches, and corniness galore: overly demanding authoritarian dad, slick city lawyer returns to small town, sympathetic mentally disabled son, star athlete son whose career was cut short by tragedy. And worst of all, a goofy, small town lawyer who's so nervous he throws up every day before court. So we're to believe that after sitting on the bench for 40 years, this is the best a county judge could get to defend himself on a murder charge? Such an insult to Duvall, Downey and co. The only believable characters/performances were Vera Farmiga and Billy Bob Thornton in supporting roles. The Duvall best actor nomination was obviously a lifetime achievement nod: he's a great actor, but this was his worst performance I've seen.