Am I Missing Something?

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

A patient character study mixed with a smart courtroom drama. Taut, smart, steady, quiet, palpable and powerful, with performances that are perfect and natural from top to bottom.

The Verdict is what The Color of Money should have been. In The Color of Money, Paul Newman plays an old hustler who used to be young and famous. He trains and teaches a young upstart, but it was hardly an interesting storyline. Wouldn't it have been a more captivating plot if he used to be young and famous, and now, he's washed up, playing the small time again and struggling with an alcohol problem? I think so.In The Verdict, Paul Newman plays a lawyer who once had a future in a prestigious law firm. Now, he's a washed up alcoholic, chasing ambulances for clients. He's given one last chance to bring a big case to court, but can he get and keep his act together and win? With a running time of over two hours, it feels a little slow. But courtroom dramas can be notoriously slow, especially in the 80s, so it's not the end of the world. It's also a little predictable, but if you like Paul Newman or stories about underdogs, definitely give it a chance.

In "The Verdict," you have Sydney Lumet directing a tight, evenly paced courtroom drama. Paul Newman delivers an Oscar worthy performance, as he lets us inside the character of a drunk, washed-up lawyer. This performance was somewhat pivotal in his career: Newman had been cast in more dashing lead roles, but now (1982) was the time for him to take on a role more revealing of his age (56, at the time). Jack Warden delivers a powerful performance as Newman's "side man," a guy trying to encourage Newman to recall his earlier successful days before becoming the classic ambulance chaser. Newman's performance is very emotional, as he seems to be seeking redemption. James Mason is perfectly cast as his foil on the other side, representing two negligent doctors and a diocese-backed hospital of renown. Charlotte Rampling's contribution to the film left this film viewer somewhat dissatisfied, and the film's ending seemed a little abrupt. Otherwise, The Verdict is well worth the time.

I first watched this movie in a government class, either in high school or college. While it wasn't a truly exciting or action-packed film from what I remember, but it was an educational one. It stars Paul Newman as an attorney who (according to IMDb plot online) sees the opportunity to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling.This film carefully delves upon the aftermath of Newman's attorney character and the drama that ensues, from him taking on the legal system and how he will try to come out victorious in his case.The acting was pretty good and all the courtroom drama was pretty intense. Not a bad movie.Grade B-