‘The Judge’ Review Roundup: Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. Amaze, Film Itself Doesn’t Impress Critics At Toronto International Film Festival

‘The Judge' Review Roundup: Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. Amaze, Film Itself Doesn't Impress Critics At Toronto International Film Festival

Robert Downey Jr. fans have something to look forward to according to critics, as the "Iron Man" actor is getting great reviews for his performance in the film "The Judge." Starring opposite Robert Duvall, the two make the film worth watching according to critics. But it would also appear that there's not much else in the film's composition or story to rave about.

"The Judge" had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and so far it looks like a great performance from the two ‘Roberts' (Duvall and Downey Jr.) Variety states that, "Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall make a memorable duo in this uneven but entertaining dysfunctional-family legal drama." They also add that a mess of different emotional elements, "are just about held together by the ferocious onscreen chemistry between two Roberts (Duvall and Downey Jr.), playing an overbearing father and a black-sheep son who find their already tense relationship literally put on trial."

But it's easy to see that despite the amazing acting from Duvall and Downey Jr., the film is otherwise disappointing. Indiewire reports in their review: "Over engineered for critical approval (which it likely won't get) and audience appreciation (perhaps), the slickly produced "The Judge" is the kind of movie that would've been an Oscar contender in the era of "Driving Miss Daisy" (which the film references in a joke during one of Downey Jr.'s verbal riffs) but feels musty and dated now."

Add in the review from The Hollywood Reporter which states that "Downey and Duvall do what they can to lift this overlong family and legal melodrama," and it's easy to see that this film will likely garner little interest from the Academy in this year's Oscar race. That is to say, don't expect any Best Picture nominations. But here's hoping that maybe people will love Robert Downey Jr. so much that he'll find a seat in the Dolby Theater with a nomination for Best Actor.