“Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (Drama: 2 hours, 9 minutes)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo

Director: Dan Gilroy

Rated: PG-13 (Profanity and some violence)

 

Movie Review: Denzel Washington’s performance is superb as the title character, although the movie’s uneven execution is not on par. 

Director-writer Dan Gilroy creates a captivating character, Roman J. Israel, yet the story is not as impressive.

Roman J. Israel (Washington) is an eccentric Los Angeles defense attorney, a savant. Israel is an idealistic man whose law partner is in a coma, a terminal condition. 

Israel is determined to carry on practicing law as an advocate for the less fortunate. Enter George Pierce (Farrell). He is a wealthy attorney who recruits Israel. Pierce has a heart but he shows Israel practicing law can be profitable. Simultaneously, Israel meets Maya Alston (a charming Ejogo), a woman who volunteers her time fighting for social justice. Israel inspires both, even as the man himself is not perfect.

Dan Gilroy received an Oscar nomination for original writing for “Nightcrawler” (2014). His writing for “Roman J. Israel” is riveting but equally missing that edge that sets it apart from other dramas. Gilroy spends much time developing his titular character that he forgets to make the thrilling twist just as dynamic.

Therefore, the movie primarily thrives on the performance of Washington. He is dynamic as Israel. Washington becomes a character actor, changing his style of acting and his appearance. He is reliably exceptional. The story is not as remarkable, even if interesting.

Grade: B- (He is a decent esquire.)

“Coco” (Animated/Adventure: 1 hour, 45 minutes)

Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Alanna Ubach and Benjamin Bratt

Directors: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina

Rated: PG (Thematic elements)

 

Movie Review: The tale centers on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It is a Mexican tradition. It is a day of prayer and remembrance of deceased family and friends. 

In “Coco,” the day becomes a neat adventure that charms. 

Aspiring young musician Miguel (Gonzalez) wants to sing and play music like his departed great-great-grandfather, Ernesto de la Cruz (Bratt), once a major talent in music and movies. However, Miguel’s family bans music and keeps the boy from achieving his dream. 

Miguel enters the land of the dead to find answers while looking for a reason to perfect his art. While in the land of the dead, Miguel finds some interesting facts about his ancestry.

While similar to 2014’s “The Book of Life,” “Coco” is a nice adventure for families wanting a getaway this holiday season. It offers colorful visuals that should excite most audiences. 

It provides a just story about the ties that bind a family. It centers on a boy on a mission that turns into an energetic venture. Also, “Coco” has nice music. Those elements create an entertaining movie.

Grade: B (“Coco” is for the living.)