Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Seen it?2017 | 122 min | Drama, Crime, Thriller
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It's still drawing plenty of interest, but a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Michael Clayton or Witness for the Prosecution, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
Hard-nosed liberal lawyer Roman J. Israel has been fighting the good fight forever while others take the credit. When his partner – the firm's frontman – has a heart attack, Israel suddenly takes on that role. He soon discovers some unsettling truths about the firm – truths that conflict with his values of helping the poor and dispossessed – and finds himself in an existential crisis that leads to extreme actions.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
54% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 1 SAG Award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$22 million worldwide on a $22 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 360K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Michael Clayton
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The Pelican Brief Weeknight WatchAlso stars Denzel Washington, in another thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Witness for the Prosecution Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed legal crime drama.
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Changing Lanes
Sunday Safe BetAnother legal thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Dan Gilroy
- Denzel WashingtonRoman J. Israel
- Colin FarrellGeorge Pierce
- Carmen EjogoMaya Alston
- Lynda GravattVernita Wells
- Amanda WarrenLynn Jackson
- Hugo ArmstrongFritz Molinar
- Sam GilroyConnor Novick
- Tony PlanaJessie Salinas
- DeRon HortonDerrell Ellerbee
- Amari CheatomCarter Johnson