Big city lawyer Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) returns to his childhood home where his father (Robert Duvall), the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
Robert Downey Jr is not a great actor in the critical sense of the word "great". His range is relatively limited. But he is good at the roles he picks: the snarky, cocky guy. Whether it is a Chicago attorney, Batman or Sherlock Holmes, he brings a certain level of fun and humor to his characters. Even here, he is the comic relief to an otherwise emotional film.
Duvall is excellent here. Now in his 80s, he likely has few roles left to play and has one heck of a great career. This is among his finest performances, and a very raw one. The judge has an embarrassing moment or two, and it takes a strong actor to allow such a presentation.
Robert Downey Jr is not a great actor in the critical sense of the word "great". His range is relatively limited. But he is good at the roles he picks: the snarky, cocky guy. Whether it is a Chicago attorney, Batman or Sherlock Holmes, he brings a certain level of fun and humor to his characters. Even here, he is the comic relief to an otherwise emotional film.
Duvall is excellent here. Now in his 80s, he likely has few roles left to play and has one heck of a great career. This is among his finest performances, and a very raw one. The judge has an embarrassing moment or two, and it takes a strong actor to allow such a presentation.