Back in 2014, Dan Gilroy made his first full-length film, NIGHTCRAWLER. For a freshman effort, it's truly amazing as it was one of the best films of the year and was a deeply disturbing but rewarding film to watch. Because of this, I was excited to see a preview showing of "Roman J. Israel Esquire" as the Philadelphia Film Festival. Plus, many were excited because Gilroy managed to get the services of Denzell Washington to star in this film. Sadly, the film was a bit of a disappointment.

The film begins with Israel learning that his law partner has had a massive heart attack. This is a problem because they are the only two in the practice and Israel only works behind the scenes and the partner is the man who tries the cases in court. Apparently, Robert Israel is something like a person with Asperger's...as he has minimal people skills and looks like he's still living in 1975. At first, he seems nerdy and weird but good-hearted. Eventually, you come to realize he's a jerk-face...and that is where the film lost me. Having the lead be a total jerk down deep makes for hard viewing. A mildly interesting film at best and a huge disappointment.

Being on a roll watching and reviewing as many 2017-2018 films as possible, especially those that garnered award nominations and wins, 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' was another film on my to see list as part of those quests. Part of me was intrigued in seeing it, liking Denzel Washington as an actor, but the trailer/advertising didn't grab me and some of the lukewarm/mixed reviews made me slightly apprehensive.

Am actually glad about watching 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' It is not without its flaws, and they are not small ones either, and there are far better films from the year (as well as far worse, this is somewhere around high middle). It is however a film with a lot to like and love, and it is far better than the advertising and trailers made out. They really don't do it justice and mislead the viewer in what the film is about, and while there is an agreement with a few criticisms it is better than the mixed reception too.

'Roman J. Israel Esq' could have been better. Its biggest stumbling block is the script, which tends to be rather clunky and muddled. Not always, but enough for it to distract.

While the story is absorbing and well done on the whole, there are instances where the pace could have been tighter and some plot points clearer and less confused. Am another person who also found the ending far too abrupt, it didn't feel like one and there was the sense that the writers didn't know how to end it.

However, 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' is worth watching primarily for Washington, who is absolutely remarkable in the title role and gives some of his best work in a pretty demanding role where he completely transforms and which he fully inhabits. A slick Colin Farrell also gives one of his better performances, his best since 'In Bruges' perhaps. The rest of the cast are also strong, but it's Washington that the viewer remembers.

Luckily, in what is essentially a character-driven film, the characters are interesting. Particularly the authentic and vividly written Roman, who to me was easy to root for.

Other than Washington's performances, the other stars are the truly evocative and fantastic-looking production values, especially the cinematography and scenery, and the very soulful soundtrack that really takes one back to the period.

Storytelling is uneven, but there are many parts where it moves, inspires and intrigues, while the values are delivered with just the right amount of force without going overboard that it becomes didactic and the messaging is well-intentioned and easy to be inspired by. The direction is competent, with some clunky moments when the story is in its weaker stretches.

In summary, good film and much better than expected. Worth seeing primarily for Washington whose performance is not easy to forget. 7/10 Bethany Cox

With Roman J. Israel, Denzel Washington stepped into the realm of mature character actor. Washington plays a most idealistic lawyer from the 60s and 70s and in playing the title role. I didn't realize but Denzel Washington I learned is 64 and he's probably playing a bit older as Roman J. Israel. That Afro he has is to indicate just how far behind the times he is.

He was partners in a law firm that did many civil rights cases back in the day. But Washington was the silent partner. His time for decades was in the law library researching the precedents and writing the briefs his partner so eloquently argued. As the film opens up the partner has sustained a massive heart attack and is clinging to life in a Los Angeles hospital.

The partner dies and what to do for Denzel. He gets an offer from the head of a white shoe law firm Colin Farrell to work in that firm. Washington gets a few criminal cases to work and because he hasn't spent the time in the trenches as a negotiator he's a bust. One young defendant dies as a result of Washington's mistake and then he makes a decision repudiates his former idealism and leads to disastrous consequences.

Washington got an Oscar nomination for Roman J. Israel, Esq. but lost this year to Gary Oldman. Showing his versatility Roman J. Israel is so different from the parts he won Oscars for in Glory and Training Day.

Other than Colin Farrell the rest of the cast aren't exactly household names, but I have to single out Arnari Cheatom who Washington interviews in a prison scene. I can't say what Washington did that Cheatom has so much against him, but believe me this scene has some real bite to it and you do believe this man will carry out any threats he makes.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is an absolute must for those who like Denzel Washington's acting.