Juror #2

<em>'Juror #2'</em> is very, very good! Clint Eastwood just keeps pumping out movies, gotta respect the hustle. As someone who has seen every film of his, evidently now including this 40th (and final?) directorial piece, I'd say that this is one of his best works. He has done much better too, of course, but this 2024 release is impressive enough. It's a clear Eastwood picture, so obviously made by someone from the old days as opposed to something that is undoubtedly made by today's market. It's supremely crafted in most areas, it relies of its fair share of convenience and isn't perfect (e.g. some, only some, of the dialogue is iffy). However, the attention-hooking plot means things never get dull. It does feel like a two hour movie, but I don't necessarily mean that negatively - again, I was never uninterested in what I was watching. The cast are excellent. They are spearheaded by Nicholas Hoult, someone I've found quite meh in other productions but here he merits praise. Chris Messina and Toni Collette are enjoyable in their respective roles, while in more minor parts the likes of J. K. Simmons, Amy Aquino and Cedric Yarbrough are solid. Another plus, away from the faces, is the very pleasing score, so credit to Mark Mancina for the music. <em>*insert joke here about how I missed Juror #1, yet anticipating Juror #3*</em>

"Juror #2" unfolds in an unhurried yet absolutely fascinating way and it is utterly spellbinding to watch Justin Kemp (juror #2) as he slowly begins to realise he is becoming increasingly trapped with each passing moment and he has no clear options open to him to effect an escape from his predicament and no way to avoid ruination. The film really manages to achieve moments of quiet excitement, especially when more damning pieces of evidence begin to emerge like so much debris rising to the surface of a lake. It is engrossing as the film gradually begins to narrow the focus down to concentrate on Kemp and Faith Killebrew. They both know the true set of circumstances surrounding the night in question and now one of them must step forward and sacrifice the other in order for justice to be done or else the consequences of inaction will be the terrible and corrosive burden of guilt surrounding the crime in question which will eventually and inevitably consume and destroy them both. This is a uniformly excellent film on every level which is gripping, interesting, and extremely impressive throughout.

"_Maybe... I didn't hit a deer._" I have so many questions, but can say this did keep me entertainined until the very end. And then it ends in a way that has me asking even more questions!

Simple but decent enough legal thriller features great talent though no real standout performances (JK Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland have less than 10 minutes of screen time each). Direction is fine but nothing special. This isn't one I'd watch again. **3.0/5**