Juror #2 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Juror #2

This intriguing courtroom drama is now playing in select theaters. It was going to be released only on Max, but because the first trailer got such a great response, the studio decided to give it a theatrical release.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 54 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a family man who, while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma and a secret he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict – or free – the wrong killer.

The film was directed by legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood, who announced that he is going to retire after this film. He’s 94 years old. Impressive!

THINGS I LIKED:

The starring roles in this legal thriller are performed beautifully by Oscar NomineeToni Collette and Nicholas Hoult. Way back in 2002, they played father and son in the movie About A Boy. Clint Eastwood was super impressed when he learned that Nicholas Hoult is the great nephew of British actress Anna Neagle. Eastwood loved the 1950 movie she was in called Odette.
This movie was released on Toni Collette’s 52^nd birthday.
The rest of the cast is absolutely fantastic and includes: Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Zoey Deutch, Primetime Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland, Amy Aquino, Gabriel Basso, Cedric Yarbrough, and Adrienne Moore.
Kiefer Sutherland wrote to Clint Eastwood to tell him he was such a huge fan of the director, saying that he would love a role in one of his movies. That’s how he ended up in this movie!
The story is smart and layered…and not a superhero movie!
As the viewer, you get to decide how to interpret the ending. Some audiences may not like that ambigous ending; however, I like movies that end like that because it gets people to talk and evaluate what they just watched.

https://youtu.be/EhkkBFhW-MM?si=2v6t3tS2_CyMGPc9

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The critical scenes in the movie were filmed at night time, making it extremely difficult to see what happened, especially for viewers who will be watching this on a small device when the movie goes to streaming.
The big twist is revealed very early in the movie. Perhaps, a slower reveal could have created more mystery and tension…?
The twist was also revealed in the trailer. Some think that is what made people more interested in watching it. Others think it was foolish to spoil the surprise for audiences. What do YOU think?
As great as Clint Eastwood is in telling a good story in his acting and directing, this movie’s direction felt a little too straightforward. I would like to have seen something…I don’t know what…something more special about the filmwork itself?
J.K. Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland must have been thrilled just to be able to work with Clint Eastwood, but I was disappointed with how small their roles were.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored.
Talk of homicide
We see an unmarried couple drunk and fighting in a bar
We see a dead girl’s body
Some profanity

THEMES:

Jury duty
Civil duty
Truth
Alcoholism
Judgment
Justice and injustice
Decisions of morality
Domestic violence
Homicide
Choice and accountability
The value of life

FUNNY LINES:

None noted.

INTERESTING LINES:

“See, the fact that you don’t want to be here is exactly what makes you the perfect group to judicate this case. You are impartial. You have no skin in the game, nothing to gain or lose. And that is why I still believe this process, as flawed as it may be, is still our best chance at finding justice.” – Judge Thelma (Amy Aquino)
“James Sythe took an innocent life.” Faith Killebrew (Toni Collette) “James Sythe is an innocent man.” Eric Resnick (Chris Messina)
“We’re only as sick as our secrets.” – Larry Lasker (Kiefer Sutherland)
“You can’t let your feelings sway you.” – Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult)
“I don’t know what game you’re playing, Man, but I see you.” – Marcus (Cedric Yarbrough)
“Sometimes, the truth isn’t justice.” – Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

12 Angry Men: https://amzn.to/4feEEcL
Million Dollar Baby: (Clint Eastwood won Best Director & Best Picture for this): https://amzn.to/3NXQBHI
Unforgiven: (Clint Eastwood won Best Director & Best Picture for this!): https://amzn.to/3UGF9E1