JUROR #2 (in theatres)

Clint Eastwood, truly a legendary human being, at ninety-four, has produced and directed a film worthy of approbation, applause, and a first class score; it is a mind-twister, a panegyric thriller so engrossing it tips the scales in titillation, confounding confusion and the ultimate challenge of what would you do in a similar situation?; supremely intelligent, the scenario weaves its psychological premise and moral dilemma without judgment.

Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”) is superb as “Justin Kemp” a recovering alcoholic writer, concerned about his wife’s “Allison” (Zoey Deutsch) compromised pregnancy; his call to jury duty is problematic; nevertheless, chosen, must decide the fate of lowlife accused killer “James Sythe” (Gabriel Basso is seething, silently creepy) for killing his girlfriend on a rain-soaked evening; he is an abusive scoundrel but is he a killer?

A chilling, enticing court room drama ensues as Toni Collette (exponentially refines her every role) scorches as Prosecutor “Faith Killebrew”; convinced of Sythe’s culpability, balanced by juror “Harold” (electrifying J.K. Simmons) a retired detective, who envisions a diversified solution to the girlfriend’s death.

“Juror #2” is harmonized flawlessly: a good man vs an untoward, scuzzy individual; ultimately lies in the true test of a man’s character is “what he does when no one is watching”.

FOUR STARS!!!!

Peneflix