Extra Cinema: The Judge (15)

Undated Film Still Handout from The Judge. Pictured: (L-r) ROBERT DOWNEY JR. as Hank Palmer, ROBERT DUVALL as Joseph Palmer and DAX SHEPARD as C.P. Kennedy. See PA Feature FILM Film Reviews. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FILM Film Reviews

The Judge takes its sweet time going through the legal motions.Thankfully, lead actors Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall sink their teeth into their broadly-sketched characters.

The legal eagle in question is Hank Palmer (Downey Jr), who helps his wealthy clients to escape the State of Illinois’ prosecutorial clutches.

During one trial, Hank learns his mother has passed away.

He ventures back to his hometown and rebuilds bridges with his brothers, Glen (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Dale (Jeremy Strong), and father Joseph (Robert Duvall), who has been the community’s judge for 42 years.

But, as Hank prepares to fly back to Chicago, Joseph is arrested for killing a man who passed through his court . . .