Juror #2 Review
A juror on a high-profile murder case could provide answers as to the murder case he is serving on the jury for. If you’ve seen the trailer, you know the whole conceit, but I will say the trailer does not spoil the film.
The film boasts a star-studded cast; Nicholas Hoult plays the titular Juror number two. Personal favorite Zoey Deutch plays his pregnant wife. Toni Collette plays the prosecuting attorney, while Chris Messina plays the opposing defense attorney. As well, reliable screen presence Kiefer Sutherland plays Hoult’s sponsor and attorney friend. J.K. Simmons is also a juror with expertise in the field.
Directed by 93-year-old Clint Eastwood, you might be wondering why you haven’t heard much about this film. Because David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Brothers, presumably hates movies.
Zaslav is the blackening example of shareholders in Hollywood. With shareholders comes a necessity to bring profits, which hinders art. Making art to appeal to everyone inversely appeals to no one.
Zaslav’s plan to roll out this film was to release it quietly in less than 50 theaters for one week. Then, soon, this will be dropped on Max with less fanfare than a new Tubi show. A far cry from the celebrations Clint received just 20, even 10 years ago.
Meaning this in the highest compliment, this is the best 1993 film to be released today. Also, this means that if cable television was still relevant, this thing would be on TBS 24/7.
So maybe Zaslav had the right idea, maybe this will play like gangbusters on streaming. Except the audience for this buys DVDs at Walmart, to coin a Kevin Costner phrase.
Maybe we didn’t realize how good we had it back in the ‘90s with all of these adult dramas that do not feel the need to make a joke every 3 minutes for fear of being too earnest. Marvel brought back an annoying post-modern style of filmmaking that is slowly disappearing.
We just don’t get these kinds of films anymore, a drama that is not afraid to be a drama. It’s not embarrassed to be sincere. It’s refreshing, like a warm blanket. It was the perfect distraction on election night.
It’s hard to talk about my feelings about the film without spoiling it, but I will do my best. Not only is this a good movie, it’s an entertaining one. Sometimes, those do not go hand in hand, but here, Clint proves he’s still sharp as a tack to marry quality and entertainment.
Hoult proves he can carry a film, with his boyish good looks and glassy blue eyes, filled with tears, to manipulate every theatergoer, or in this case, couchgoer. Toni’s foghorn leghorn accent could’ve proved to be a detriment, but she’s too good for it to be a distraction.
J.K. Simmons is also a lot of fun in a supporting role. As well as Zoey, whom I feared was wasted but gets two scenes to show her acting chops.
It’s clear the script has undergone some edits because, late in the second act, it’s almost as if moments were removed. Given the lead-up to that moment, the sentencing feels a bit rushed.
However, the final 10-15 minutes are spectacular. I usually try not to read reviews on a film before writing a review. However, Adam Nyman on The Big Picture podcast shared his theory on the ending, which elevates the film in my estimation.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
One of the hardest and most terrifying things about being a parent is hiding certain aspects of who you are from your children. I don’t have kids, but this could work for a spouse as well.
There are things I have hidden from my wife for some time for fear of judgment. What would happen if they do not see me the same way anymore? The façade is gone.
When a child sees their parent as a human, it can be world-shattering. You realize they are just another person with their own follies, just trying to make it in this world. Before this, when you’re young, your parent is just your parent.
But outside people see them as any kind of person, in this case, a piece of shit. Who knows what will happen with Hoult’s character in the future, but it will be rather awkward the next time he runs into Collette’s character unless it’s inside a courtroom.
POTENTIAL SPOILAERS OVER
I'm not sure when, but this will be streaming on Max soon, and I encourage everyone to go see it when it drops. It’s the best thing Clint has made since Sully in 2016.
4/5 Stars
