We round up the reviews for Clint Eastwood’s latest film which is out now in cinemas.
The Guardian: *** “Suspense is kept on a low flame but the film offers cosy pleasures, not least in the jury-room wrangles; one thing Henry Fonda never had to deal with in 12 Angry Men was the pernicious influence of true-crime podcasts.”
The Telegraph: **** “Starring an excellent Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette, the 94-year-old director’s latest is like 12 Angry Men with a knife-twist.”
Deadline: “Delivering a classic courtroom drama — not a genre he has worked in much — Eastwood has made not just a riveting suspenseful thriller and family drama but also one with penetrating themes such as moral complexity and dealing with a crisis of conscience.”
Empire: **** “If this is to be a swansong, it’s a fitting one: a thrillingly watchable legal thriller about truth, justice and (for better and for worse) the American way, as told by an all-American icon. ”
RogerEbert.com: *** “This is the kind of mid-budget, mainstream movie we used to see a lot of in the 1980s and ‘90s but has become increasingly rare within a cinematic landscape that consists mostly of soulless IP sequels and reboots and cool, daring indies. It falls somewhere in between: a movie for grown-ups with its classy production values, strong performances from a starry cast, and thoughtful themes for viewers who want to be entertained but maybe think a little, too.”
The Hollywood Reporter: “But while the often-static setting of Juror #2, Clint Eastwood’s latest feature, will no doubt feel familiar, the narrative twists of Jonathan Abrams’ agile script add fresh perspective to the courtroom drama. Eastwood’s long list of awards and near-incomparable professional longevity will certainly stir interest in Warner Bros.’ Nov. 1 bow, even if the film itself remains a rather understated addition to the Oscar winner’s considerable career.”
The Upcoming: **** “By emphasising the rapidly unfolding events over character-driven dynamics, its storytelling evokes a sense of nostalgia for old-school cinema. Combined with its fresh perspective on the human condition, Juror #2 resonates long after the credits roll, prompting audiences to reflect on the complexities of justice and their roles within it.”
Variety: “As always, Eastwood respects our intelligence. And yet, “Juror No. 2” registers as something of an anomaly in his oeuvre: It ranks among his quietest films, forgoing spectacle in favor of self-reflection. One could argue the whole system is on trial, and yet, the only angry man here is Eastwood, not the jurors, as Dirty Harry goes out not with a bang but an ambivalent whisper.”