30/25
While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, a family man grapples with a serious moral dilemma that could sway the jury’s verdict and potentially convict or exonerate the wrong killer. Kiefer Sutherland takes his role as Clint Eastwood, telling him how much of a fan he was and how he’d like to appear in one of his films before he retires. Kiefer’s father, Donald Sutherland, starred with Clint in 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: The Fall (2024). Hard Livin’ Written by Chris Stapleton and Kendell Marvel Performed by Chris Stapleton Courtesy of Mercury Nashville Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises. I saw this film at the TCL Chinese Cinema as the closing film of the 2024 AFI Film Festival. Nicholas Hoult stars as the main character who is forced into a moral dilemma when he is put on a jury for a murder. . The story is a twist on the old Henry Fonda role in "12 Angry Men" which I can’t say much more about without spoilers. Hoult’s performance is more than adequate along with the other star cast, including Toni Collette as the prosecutor running for district attorney, JK Simmons as Hoult’s ally on the jury, Gabriel Basso as the defendant. and many others. The story and screenplay both hold a few surprises, although the inevitable conclusion is not. Eastwood’s direction is solid as usual, but not exceptional; however, considering the limitations of the story, I would say it is more than okay. So overall this movie is a 7/10, certainly not a 10/10, but not a 4/10 either (I reserve 4 and below for technically incompetent movies). Recommended if you can find it, as Warner is not supporting the movie! Looking for something else to add to your watchlist? Check out what movies and TV shows are streaming this month.