“Juror #2”

What starts as an interesting premise quickly fizzles in Clint Eastwood‘s “Juror #2,” a film that ultimately falls short of its potential. The movie’s soapy tone and flat-out bad ending undermine the ethical and moral dilemmas that are initially set up, which will likely leave viewers with nothing but an overwhelming feeling of disappointment.

While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, family man and new dad Justin (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma. When he realizes he has crucial information that could make or break the case (and discovers that it’s something he could use to sway the jury verdict), Justin must decide to expose the truth or keep things quiet. Holding the power to potentially convict or free the wrong killer, Justin decides to partake in a bit of game playing in the courthouse rather than being honest about what he knows.

The plot starts with promise, offering a sophisticated setup where the well-meaning protagonist is torn between a personal moral conflict and the responsibility of rendering a fair verdict. Coupled with the legal and ethical questions raised during the deliberations, the story offers a lot of room for tension and intellectual engagement. Unfortunately, Eastwood turns what could be a smart commentary on our justice system into a meandering, melodramatic narrative that completely squanders these opportunities.

The cast is filled with medium-level (and vaguely recognizable) talent, and most deliver performances that are generally fine. Nobody delivers any outstanding work, and everyone does the best they can with the material. Hoult is sympathetic and likeable, and J.K. Simmons is effective in his supporting turn as a retired detective. Toni Collette is mostly reliable in her role as an aggressive District Attorney except for her inconsistent, jarring, and forced Southern accent that comes and goes on a whim. It’s so bad and distracting.

The story eventually turns into something so far-fetched that it’s laughable how far it stretches the limits of believability. When it turns into a full-blown courtroom drama, the legal aspects become increasingly unbelievable. The stakes should’ve been high given the life-and-death consequences of the trial, but they lose their impact as the story devolves into unnecessary melodrama and contrived twists. Wow, what a waste of a good premise this whole thing turns out to be.

Lacking substance and failing to nail the follow-through, “Juror #2” is one big missed opportunity.

By: Louisa Moore