45/30
While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, a family man finds himself grappling with a serious moral dilemma that he can use to influence the jury’s verdict and potentially convict or acquit the wrong killer. Kiefer Sutherland got his role by writing to Clint Eastwood and telling him that he was a big fan and would like to star in one of his films before he retired. Kiefer’s father, Donald Sutherland, starred alongside Clint in the films Kelly’s Heroes (1970) and Space Cowboys (2000). Larry Lasker: We’re Only As Sick As Our Secrets. Open Bar: #120 – Glicked Dominates, Snow White Panic, Captain America: Disaster (2024). Hard Livin’ Written by Chris Stapleton and Kendell Marvel Performed by Chris Stapleton Courtesy of Mercury Nashville Records Licensed by Universal Music Enterprises. I saw this film when it premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre as the closing film of the 2024 AFI Film Festival. Nicholas Hoult plays the title character who is forced into a moral dilemma when he is selected to serve on a jury for murder. The story is something of a twist on the old Henry Fonda role in 12 Angry Men; I can’t say more about it without spoiling it. Hoult’s performance is more than adequate, as is that of the rest of the star-studded cast, including Toni Collette as a prosecutor running for district attorney, J.K. Simmons as Hoult’s ally on the jury, Gabriel Basso as the defendant, and many others. The story and screenplay include a few surprises, though there’s no foregone conclusion. Eastwood’s direction is solid as always, but not exceptional; however, given the limitations of the story, I’d say it’s more than good. So, in short, this movie is a 7/10, certainly not a 10/10, but not a 4/10 either (I reserve ratings of 4 or lower for movies that are technically incompetent). Recommended if you can find it, given Warner’s lack of support for the film!. Looking for something else to add to your watchlist? See what movies and TV shows are airing this month.