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Summary: Evil church coverup put right by Mr Paul Newman
Review: This is a classic instance of casting against type with the "star" Paul Newman cast as a loser. He portrays an alcoholic ambulance-chasing lawyer who comes good and defeats the evil Catholic Church who were attempting to avoid, or at least minimise, a negligence payout against a medical slip-up. Despite this melodramatic synopsis, the excellent script by David Mamet and direction by the great Sidney Lumet ( the social conscience of American cinema)provides a strong basis for some truly superb acting by the likes of Milo O'Shea as a cranky judge and James Mason as the oily supercilious lawyer of Boston's most prestigious law firm. But Paul Newman, who grew out of the James Dean/Marlon Brando school of mannered method, gives his best performance as an actor, plagued as he has been by those blue eyes, mixed scripts and mannered performances in many many films. ALL of the actors give good performances and how they must have relished the opportunity to work on writing worthy of their talents. Although 20 years old, THE VERDICT is as modern and as relevant as today's New York Times. I've watched it about a dozen times and it holds up better than the great majority of films made in that strange era - the 1980's.
Well worth owning.
Rating:
Summary: A great film and an excellent director's commentary
Review: This is a great film. The story is top notch. The acting is first rate. A great feature is the commentary by the director. You will learn a lot about film by listening to his commentary as you watch this movie. This is a gem.
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Summary: Paul Newman's finest performance
Review: This is a riveting story of redemption. It also happens to be the vehicle for Paul Newman's finest performance in his distinguished career as an actor. Every time I watch this movie I totally forget he IS Paul Newman; he is Frank Galvin through and through. The movie also features a stellar supporting cast. EVERY performance is excellent. The directing is spare & lean; the director wisely lets his phenomenal cast do their best. The injustice of Paul Newman not winning the best actor Oscar for this performance can never be righted. I hope he realizes that in the court of public opinion, he was robbed! The public recognizes what the Academy failed to -- the performance of a lifetime. This movie is an absolute gem & will stand the test of time.
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Summary: Just Superb
Review: This is a superb film starring a superb actor. Enough said.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This is an amazing movie, mainly because of the character study Paul Newman portrays. A Few Good Men may have had better courtroom dialogue, but I guarantee you will root for Newman more than you did for Cruise and Moore in that movie. Newman is amazing, absolutely at the top of his game. The Hustler is still, I think, his best movie, but this is his best performance, and his supporting cast is great, too. I can't recommend this movie enough.
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Summary: Thank God it's on DVD
Review: This is by far one of the best (if not the best) courtroom drama ever made. It is also in my opinion Paul Newman's best preformance. He plays an Alcoholic Ambulance chasing lawyer who gets the case to save his career. It however is not as formulaic as it my sound. James Mason also comes in with one of his last fine appearances on film. I have been checking for the release on this movie since I got my DVD player. Have never seen it in Widescreen and can not wait.Lumet fans should also take notice, the director of A Dog Day Afternoon, Running on Empty and 12 Angry Men created one of his best in this movie. The Verdict also includes the best slap in movie history, (you'll have to watch it to see what I mean.)
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Summary: Newman's Best
Review: This is no "pop-culture" film. This is a powerhouse adult drama that is totally gripping, and doesn't let up till the very end. It is nothing short of a crime that Paul Newman lost the Best Actor Oscar to "Ghandi" -- a Hollywood fad film that doesn't hold up nearly as well as this superb film. Way to go, Paul!
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Summary: Is there a 6th star??
Review: This is one of Paul Newman's greatest performances and truly is a phenomenal script. I have had this movie on loop and it gets better every time. His summation argument at the end of the movie is second to none. It's about 5 minutes long and there is no cut in filming. Keep that in mind as you are watching and you will begin to understand the true genius of Mr. Newman. The cinematography is outstanding as well.
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Summary: Paul Newman, National Treasure
Review: This is Paul Newman's finest work. As usual, when surroundedby a sterling cast, he reaches down and gives it his best. Hisdepiction of an alcoholic at the end of his tether is heartwrenching. James Mason is at his menacing best, and watching Jack Warden chew the scenery is one of the pleasures of American Cinema. Why Newman didn't get the Oscar ...
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Summary: The Verdict VHS
Review: This movie begs for a DVD. Paul Newman was nominated for best actor for this role, but lost to Ghandi. The screenplay ranks right up there with "12 Angry Men" and "Witness for the Prosecution." I'm a court reporter, so I'm pretty finicky about legal dramas. The closing argument is beautiful and reminded me why I went into the legal profession in the first place: "But today you are the law...not some book, not the lawyers, not a marble statue or the trappings of the court." And it's realistic: "The court doesn't exist to give (the weak) justice. The court exists to give them a chance at justice." It's a great courtroom drama, a great movie about a drinking alcoholic trying to redeem himself and a tragic love story all in one.
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