Roman J. Israel, Esq.

  • PG13 (SINGAPORE)
  • 2017


MOVIE IS disappointing contemporary entertaining ambitious fantastic
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48 %
52 % Rotten
$ 13 Million
See Where to Watch Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Positive Reviews 96
Negative reviews 42
Average Rating 3.1/5
disappointing contemporary entertaining ambitious fantastic

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  • Positive
  • Negative
2.0
Whats strange and frustrating about Roman J. Israel is that it doesnt go anywhere radically surprising or interesting, but sure takes its time getting .. Av Club
3.5
The question is whether a movie about a schlubby old school defense lawyer questioning his ideals will be something even Denzel fans might appreciate. Den Of Geek
3.0
For the first time in decades, this man of honor and routine faces uncertainty. EW
1.3
His actions are inexplicable and serve only to give the film the tragic ending it neither earns nor deserves. Rogerebert
2.0
As in his harrowing Nightcrawler, director Dan Gilroy tells the story of a brilliant, ill fitting outsider in a vivid workplace, but this movie fails .. Common Sense Media
2.0
But the movie often falls on the blunt instrument of its critique. Indie Wire
3.5
Roman is a fantastic character, and Washingtons high wire performance is one of his most daring and compelling. Variety
4.5
Which doesnt matter, frankly, when Washington is so enjoyably startling playing a nebbishy Aspergers oriented truth teller. Austin Chronicle
2.0
A committed Denzel Washington is wasted in a legal drama that never gets around to making closing arguments. Time Out
4.0
Yet the films messiness and old fashioned Hollywood flashiness remains compelling. The Guardian
3.0
With all its fussy and elaborate detail, with the hair and the jacket and the glasses, Denzel Washingtons watchable character study keeps this movie a .. The Guardian
4.0
It might prove to be a tough sell thanks to an awkward title and a strange plot trajectory, but Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a richly rewarding drama bles .. The Guardian
1.9
Throughout Dan Gilroys film, a promising character study is smothered beneath lazy genre machinations.
4.5
Not all Oscar bait is created equal.Glenn Close trolling the Academy with 2011s shameless Albert Nobbs isnt in the same wheelhouse as her fellow alway ..
3.8
Still, viewers will be glad to spend time with one of Washingtons finest screen creations, if only to imagine what a modern day knight in slightly tar ..
4.0
129mins Denzel Washington gives a terrifically off kilter performance in Roman J. Israel, Esq., a fascinating and flawed character study that frustrat .. Screen Daily
2.5
Its a nice message and its given gravitas thanks to yet another powerhouse performance from Denzel Washington, but the film meanders too much and ends .. Collider
3.5
This is a formula movie but Gilroy is no hack.He hits the expected beats but with more color and depth than you expect. Vulture
2.0
It deftly blended ultra cynicism with a realism distorted just enough to make it cult viewing. The Hollywood Reporter
3.0
Ill only say that I saw the ending and the sappy denouement coming a mile away.
2.5
And it offers tonal whiplash for viewers, with several potentially great ideas that dont settle into a coherent whole. The New York Times
3.4
You can install a gap between Denzel Washingtons two front teeth. Paste Magazine
4.8
Denzel Washington gives a truly remarkable performance in, and as, Roman J. Israel, Esq. IGN
4.0
On a thematic level, this resounds and makes intellectual sense to us. E Film Critic
2.0
However, while it doesnt fit the parameters of a typical courtroom drama, it doesnt really replace those tropes with much of anything. E Film Critic
3.0
A Washington vehicle in the purest sense, one whose whole reason for being is the fact that hes in it. Telegraph
3.0
The films saving grace is a simply mesmerising performance from Washington.
3.0
Its anchored by big ideas and a wonderful performance, but stories A and B never mesh into something deeper. Cinema Blend
3.0
The storys unclear and the characters seem to contradict themselves. Ny Daily News
4.0
However, its far less cynical than that, being a kind of morality tale, something those expecting a darker ride should prepare themselves for. JoBlo
2.5
The arcs dont pay off in a satisfying manner, which diminishes the storys ultimate effectiveness. Screen Rant
3.1
An uneven movie elevated by Denzel Washingtons distinctive performance. Philly
3.0
One can enjoy Roman J. Israel, Esq. as a pure star vehicle, but as a drama it falls short. One Guys Opinion
4.0
That leaves audiences stuck.We spend lots of time watching this guy be disappointed and disappointing, with too many dead stretches in which we can wo .. Village Voice
2.5
But on the surface, George is a rich, slick, smooth talker who wants to do right by a man his mentor trusted as the brains of a practice that had soci .. Rogers Movie Nation
2.5
The ending is supposed to offer a sense of closure but it only added to my frustration about a production that couldnt make up its mind about what mes .. ReelViews
2.0
It was sinister work, wicked all over, achieving a curdled sense of threat for what becomes an inventive contortion of a traditional serial killer/sta .. Blu Ray
5.0
Published nearly 200 years ago, Washington Irvings Rip Van Winkle tells of a man who falls asleep during the colonial era and wakes up two decades lat .. Chicago Reader
3.8
This is a fine character study, anchored by Washingtons off kilter, out of character performance and a sincere curiosity about testing the ideals of t .. Mark Reviews Movies
2.0
Laura: Nightcrawler writer/director Dan Gilroys second film is guilty of narrative muddle, but it is still well worth seeing for Denzel Washingtons br ..
2.5
Writer/director Gilroy is very clearly going for the vibe of a low key character study with Roman J. Israel, Esq., as the filmmaker delivers a mostly .. Reel Film Reviews
1.5
Its a brilliant performance in a film thats an honorable misstep. You Tube
2.0
The film never quite recovers from its abrupt handbrake turn on Romans moral character. It makes zero dramatic sense for an already marginalised chara .. The Times
3.0
At times its as if the movie didnt get the memo and is happily plodding away with formulaic nonsense, unaware The Times
3.5
As a character, Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a non stop thrill ride of actor choices. As for Roman J. Israel, Esq., the film: its a decent morality play, .. News Review
3.0
After all, Gilroy previously helmed the terrific thriller Nightcrawler about a smart but socially awkward character who ends up going off the deep end .. Screen It
3.8
Washington rises superbly to the challenge.In no way is his performance a stunt. Rolling Stone
2.5
Washingtons performance as Israel is quirky and charming enough to almost pull it off. The Wrap
1.9
Youll be hoping Israel will stick to his guns, refuse temptation and risk everything to uncover the truth about Pierce.None of that happens. News Day
4.5
This entertaining package for a broad swath of filmgoers also offers extras for smarties. Film Journal
3.8
Theres a lot going on here, but Washingtons complex, emotionally turbulent performance makes it all work. New York Post
3.0
You cant stop watching and you cant stop wishing he didnt have to work so hard to keep the story together once it starts branching out in different di .. Az Central
5.0
The film is a stimulating sharp turn away from storytelling conventions and a challenge for viewers who prefer narrative pabulum to dense, savory, che .. Star Tribune
3.8
Romans behaviour frequently vexes, and the narrative occasionally does, too. Toronto Star
3.0
He could easily settle for a career of Equalizer sequels and similarly undemanding action fare but clearly hungers for more. Flim List
4.5
The film feels haphazardly put together, shining in certain parts, and falling completely flat in others. Film Inquiry
2.5
So incarcerating young people for a long time almost guarantees that the worst thing theyve ever done will define the rest of their lives. Susang Ranger
2.0
Its a misfire for sure, but his next project should definitely be anticipated solely for whatever unorthodox character Gilroy cooks up next. Flickering Myth
3.0
Roman J Israel Esq is the tale of the LA civil rights movement Israel is an idealistic criminal defence lawyer in Los Angeles and a veteran of the civ .. Express
3.0
Instead, its a character study filled with insight and originality. The Film Stage
3.1
The two mens crisscrossing transformations never quite convince.Its frustrating, because the actors are all excellent and the movies actually trying t .. Chicago Tribune
3.1
That was a strong debut and this is a sophomore slump thats still worth your time a throwback to midbudget dramas of conscience whose failures are pri .. Boston Globe
2.0
In other words, the thing is a total mess.Some good ideas remain. The Irish Times
4.5
Yet this often oafish, mumbly immovability never stops him from possessing a unique, chummy charisma. Birth Movies Death
3.1
But while fascinating as a showcase for the two time Academy Award winning actor, as a complex human drama the filmmakers latest effort frustratingly .. Movie Freak
3.0
Denzel Washington plays a conflicted lawyer in a movie that is unsure of itself but still worth a look Denzel Washington plays a quirky, morally confl .. Detroit News
2.5
Washingtons quirky performance shines brightly, but in a movie that otherwise doesnt present an especially strong case for rushing out to see it. Cnn
3.8
And of course, like most Pixar movies, it packs an emotional wallop. Aisle Seat
3.5
This is a moral thriller more than an outright chases and conspiracies thriller. Forbes
3.5
What we have here is one of the finest performances of Denzel Washingtons long and extraordinarily consistent career. Herald Sun
2.0
Its a frustrating structure for an often engaging film, one that cuts the stakes out from underneath the storytelling as the film moves along. Consequence Of Sound
2.0
It has something to say, but it can never calm down long enough to finish its current thought out before moving on to the next one. Vox
4.0
But its at this point we do feel a little underwhelmed, as while a really engaging production with a collection of impressive performances, the finale .. Hey U Guys
3.0
What makes Roman something to appreciate is Washingtons absolutely committed portrayal.This is a transformative Washington. The Play List
2.0
The setup is akin to any time travel movie, where a relic confronts modern times. Now Toronto
5.0
The newest thriller from the Academy Award nominated writer does not disappoint. Film School Rejects
2.0
Instead of being a psychological portrait of an obsessed lawyer, it turns into a mundane thriller, and one not very thrilling at that. Maki At The Movies
2.0
The performance is good what Denzel joint isnt but unsatisfying with what Gilroy writes around it. Tamp A Bay
3.0
When it comes to Groucho Marx quotes, Those are my principles, and if you dont like them well, I have others deserves its very own hall of fame. Raidió Teilifís Éireann
3.0
Clearly conceived as a morality play, the awkwardly titled film is too contrived and predictable to efficiently deliver the emotional punch it aims fo .. Lw Lies
1.5
The film is not Washingtons best, but it, and that mindless/lumbering walk, will not disappoint Washingtons fans. The Stranger
2.0
Like a Perry Mason episode that has accidentally collided with Philadelphia. Ft
4.1
You get the sense Denzel Washington is looking for new mountains to climb. Ar Kansas Online
3.0
If ever there was a situation in which a great actor playing a complex role saves a film from itself, Roman J. Israel, Esq. is it. Film Racket
3.5
Dan Gilroy gets a heterogeneous mix of legal mystery, drama, characters portrayal, improbable romance, black humor and tragedy.
2.0
We shouldnt discount the novelty of a film of this profile wordily diving into this particular morassits lefty heart on its sleeve, faded and tarnishe .. Vanity Fair
4.0
In the matter of Roman J. Israel, Esq., lets stipulate at the outset that Denzel Washington could read from law books and hold our attention. Wsj
2.5
But writer director Dan Gilroys ambitious but muddled legal thriller isnt based on or inspired by a true story. Chicago Sun Times
2.5
Despite Denzel giving it his best shot, Roman J. Israel, Esq. never passes the bar. Punch Drunk Critics
2.0
The resolve is clearly not in line with the substantive character exposition offered.Its a rare miss from Gilroy, one of Hollywoods finest screenwrite .. Movie Web
3.5
Sometimes interesting is better than good, and in the case of Roman J. Israel, Esq. interesting proves good enough.It is sure to delight Washington di .. Cinemix Tape
4.0
The movies main sources of suspense are whether its ever going to settle on a genre and if its star is going to fully implode while trying to hold thi .. The Ringer
5.0
But the films exploratory ambience keeps the actorsand the audienceopen to fresh possibilities. Film Comment
3.0
Even though its shaggy dog story of idealism gone sour threatens to come apart in places, Denzel Washingtons career best performance is never less tha .. One Room With A View
4.5
(Elba even gets a good old fashioned Aaron Sorkin barn burner monologue.).His direction is stylish and snappy he loves data dumps and explainers, but .. Flavor Wire
3.0
What doesnt: The rangy story isnt particularly tightly written, sagging a bit in the middle. No La
3.8
Now, in Gilroys Roman J. Israel, Esq., its Denzel Washington who gets transformed and what a treat it is to see this great actor, after almost 40 year .. Seattle Times
4.5
But hes also socially awkward, suggesting another niche somewhere on the Asperger scale. Film Journal International ..
0.5
His quirks also include the nerdiest specs since Napoleon Dynamite, a compulsion to blurt out whatever hes thinking (he doesnt think much of slick law .. Seven Day Svt
2.0
His relationships seem random and clearly only exist for the purpose of creating a contentious story arc but have little to no substance.The ending fi .. Black Girl Nerds
2.5
Washington is fantastic in the role; for the first time since The Hurricane, I was able to forget I was watching the star, and could relax and watch t .. National Post
5.0
Conscience versus commerce, golden ideas of old versus disposable ones of new.Got it. Original Cin
4.5
The end almost justifies the means, and even when someone finds out what hes done and threatens to expose him, it doesnt seem that dicey. Third Coast Review
2.0
OUR LATEST VIDEOS OUR LATEST VIDEOS Denzel Washington delivers a striking performance in Roman J. Israel, Esq. Cultured Vultures
4.5
The most memorable sequences involve the protagonists debates with the new voices of activism that are worth their weight in gold. El Pais (Spain)
2.0
A movie that is as rambling and shambling and that has just about as much focus as its main character. Tri City Herald
3.5
The story flops around a bit longer and then moves toward a highly unlikely conclusion.Denzel Washington makes Roman J. Israel, Esq. worth seeing, but .. Toronto Sun
2.5
Ultimately, Roman is an unlikeable, frustrating character in a film that has no idea what its about.Viewers will be confused and frustrated even as a .. Daily Film Fix
2.5
But hes not savvy enough to stop from becoming involved in a situation thats, shall we say, highly questionable ethically. Qc Times
2.0
The problem is that, like its protagonist, the film works under expired precepts... not lacking in value, but with little interest to speak to a conte ..
3.1
This complex, untidy but ambitious film starring a brilliant Denzel Washington deserves better. Ap News
2.5
But, strung together, the moments here make for too much convenience and an overdependence on a quirky outcasts best intentions. Vue Weekly
3.1
A crackling character study stumbles in the second act ... but thats far better than the finale. Yikes. Hollywood Into To
2.5
Denzel Washington, a movie star for a reason, fails to sell himself as a socially awkward introvert and self proclaimed man behind the curtain. Us Magazine
4.5
In Roman J. Israel, Esq., Denzel Washington establishes the inner life of his character without having to say a word. Sf Weekly
2.5
Watching Roman J. Israel, Esq. is like watching a very long episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, only without the laughs, and without a lead character who .. Sf Chronicle
3.8
Directed by Dan Gilroy Starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Rated PG 13 Even though hes one of the best known and most honored acto .. Am Ny
3.5
Theres an excellent movie in here somewhere the performances alone are proof of that but for whatever reason, Gilroys story doesnt click.
2.5
What it proves is that even the most fabulous lead performance (and Denzel Washington is admittedly superb) can carry a film only so far. Cambridge Day
2.5
Sloppy characterizations mar intriguing story about a burnt out lawyer. Free Beacon
3.5
He compensates by giving Washington some scorching dialog and with a bit of cinematic daring, even employing some throwback style to evoke a feeling o .. Denerstein Unleashed Blog ..
2.0
Its admirably ambitious, with some great ideas, but its central conceit just doesnt work Splice Today
1.5
Writer Director Dan Gilroys narrative vehicle for this poignant character portrait is undeserving of its subject. L.A. Biz
3.0
Where Roman J. Israel, Esq, both the character and the film, run into trouble is that they each try to bite off more than they can chew. FanboyNation.com
4.0
However, that doesnt mean they cant hold jobs, or have wants or needs. FlickDirect
4.0
But Klump or no Klump, this is one of Denzel Washingtons best performances. Huffing Ton Post
1.5
The movie is intriguing because of Washington but does not live up to the caliber of his performance. Movies and Shakers
2.5
The politically charged main story is drawn in a simple but effective, realist style, while an interwoven ancient fairy tale appears in a riot of fant .. Daily News
2.5
Denzel Washington is in the titular role as a socially awkward warrior for social justice. At Home In Hollywood
3.0
The titular hero, played by Denzel Washington, is a compulsive and idealistic defense attorney, albeit one who works far beyond the courtroom world we .. City Beat
1.5
Having said that, its no Ed Wood and most of its laughs come simply from recreating The Room.Its nonetheless an entertaining good time made better by .. Junkee
3.0
Denzel Washington, in one of the finest performances of his career, plays the titular character in such an assured, but vulnerable way. Worldo Free L
1.5
Washington is outstanding and thoroughly believable as the lumbering, gauche Roman. World Socialist Web Site
3.0
.Roman J. Israels inability to find narrative propulsion and tonal consistency is even more disappointing in the context of Nightcrawler. Silver Screen Riot
4.5
Not to say hes anything less than an incredible performer at all times, but hes typically such a powerful presence that it sometimes becomes difficult ..
2.0
What remains is a proper film in the service of a great actor dressed in the costume of an extraordinary character. It might appear to be enough but w .. El antepenúltimo mohicano ..
2.0
The bloated, unfocused and ludicrously U turning script drags, and despite the lengthy running time, the story fails to give any character a satisfyin .. Hot Press
3.5
Roman J. Israel, Esq has some general problems, but reaffirms that Gilroy is a filmmaker to watch...
2.0
Dan Gilroy set his bar so high with the magnificent Nightcrawler htat its hard to see his hand in the leisurely wandering of his new hero. Fotogramas
5.0
Win, lose or draw, Roman J. Israel, Esq. deserves accolades aplenty in its own right for its touching treatment of such a sensitive subject. Baret News Wire
1.5
Initially, Roman Israel has some provocative character contradictions. Lagniappe Mobile
2.0
The humor doesnt last.And even Washingtons performance cant save Roman J. Israel, Esq. My States Man
3.5
Never before in our contemporary times has there been a pillar of the entertainment industry like Denzel Washington. Shadow And Act
2.5
Unfortunately, the performance goes wasted in a movie that meanders far too often to make much sense or hold your attention for that matter. Ohio
3.5
In lieu of tightly woven plotting, Dan Gilroy instead gives us something far looser at the seams, studying a character with close intimacy and seeing .. The Lonely Film Critic
3.0
Washingtons performance is full of nervous tics and mood swings that dont amount to much just like the movie overall. Pasadena Weekly
4.5
Washingtons difficult performance runs the gamut of emotions, testing the actors range as the complicated process experiences multiple evolutions. Sd City Beat
5.0
The film is smart and challenging with great performances and writing that tugs hard at the heart. What She Said Radio
4.0
An exhausting narrative made thoroughly enticing due to Washingtons unexpected and lovable portrayal of Israel. Flavourmag
2.5
Sadly, while Washington delivers another breathtaking solid performance, the film itself is stuck with an incohesive plot and meandering scenes. BlackFilm.com
3.0
Washington plays it more than just a cheap collection of idiosyncratic tics and mannerisms, inhabiting the character to the fullest effect to make him .. The National
3.1
The Globes guide to TIFF 2017 movies We watched them and rated them, now you can read all about them which films to catch later, which ones to avoid a .. The Globe And Mail
2.5
Some fine moments of relevancy do shine through, but Last Flag ultimately flies through too many hoops in its search to find what legitimate patriotis .. Blog Cleveland
2.0
Romans arc of late breaking corruption and last minute redemption is the kind of material that usually rounds out a solid thriller into something more .. Spliced Personality
4.5
Denzel Washington makes this film work by stringing together Dan Gilroys plot threads. Pólvora
3.0
She is enamored with Israels history as a civil rights lawyer, and while the romantic angle doesnt come to fruition until much later, its obvious from ..
2.5
Its a shame a better film could not have been constructed around his work, but it has not come to pass. Beta La Times
3.1
The verdict is in. Washingtons marvelous performance is better than the film. Phoenix Film Festival
2.0
Its another absolute crushed it out of the ballpark film for Linklater. AXS.com
4.0
In reality this story doesnt have much more to offer than fabulous performance. Vanguardia (Mexico)
2.5
The performance of Washington, as usual, is irreproachable, to such an extent that his character is not only interesting but even touching. Ernestodiez Martinez
1.0
And worse, spawned the subsequent avarice and morally bankrupt fueled generation of the Greed Decade. Wbai
5.0
Storytelling, like Catholicism, can be plunked down anywhere, and through sheer force it will conquer. Nplusonemag
4.0
This is an all around awards contender with brilliant performances. Blog Franciscan Media



See Where to Watch Roman J. Israel, Esq.