THE JUDGE-Guilty of Predictable Pathos, Vindicated with Great Acting

THE JUDGE is a mixed bag of courtroom/family drama that might have robbed you of your time if it weren't for the phenomenal acting by its bankable stars & all parties involved.  Robert Downey, Jr. (Hank Palmer) plays an unctuous, fast-talking, indomitable atty.  Robert Duvall (Judge Palmer) is a long standing, highly respected judge in a small Indiana town & father to Glen, Dale & estranged son Hank.  Hank heads to Northwestern, becomes a successful lawyer in Chicago & never looks back.  After receiving a call regarding his mother's death, Hank begrudginly heads back to pay his respects. Hank leaves behind his vindictive soon to be ex-wife & his adoring daughter.  Hank braces himself before entering his father's home.  His older brother Glen (Vincent D'Onofrio) & younger, mentally challenged brother Dale (Jeremy Strong) are there to greet him; their familial bond intact.  But, the badblood between Hank & his father explodes as soon as they encounter each other.  Hank makes it clear his stay is merely temporary.  Once on board his return flight he receives a frantic call from Glen.  Their father has been arrested for murder & they need his help. A court room drama of unmitigating flair ensues.  Every ploy in the book of melodrama is thrown down. The opposing ominous atty. is played with oily perfection by Billy Bob Thornton.  Jeremy Strong as Dale is affecting in his genial, dimwitted confusion.  D'Onofrio is powerful as the steadfast family member. The entire supporting cast is magnificent but the heavy lifting is done with bravado by Downey & Duvall. There's no deliberation needed to determine the outcome of this quilty pleasure.  But, the acting returns a must see verdict.