blanche-2

Juror #2 is a 2024 Clint Eastwood film starring Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Zoey Deutch, J. K. Simmons, and Gabriel Basso.

Hoult is recovering alcoholic Justin Kemp who is chosen for jury duty on a murder case. A young man (Gabriel Basso), in a volatile relationship with his girlfriend, fights with her and angrily follows her out of a bar one rainy night. The next day, she is found dead off the side of the road.

Listening to the description of the case, Kemp realizes he was in the bar that night, though he resisted drinking, and driving home, thought he hit a deer, though he couldn't see one and assumes it ran off. He realizes he may be responsible for the woman's death.

Should he tell the court? Or try to convince the jury to acquit? An AA friend and attorney (Kiefer Sutherland) advised him that, given his record of DUIs, he needs to stay out of it.

I found this film derivative - think a poorer version of "12 Angry Men" - but had some interesting features. While most of the jury leans toward guilty, a dismissed juror (Simmons) who broke the rules and did outside investigation, gives information to the prosecutor (Collette) that gives her doubts and causes her to investigate. Frankly she should have investigated before. I'm not sure how the case got to trial.

I think the point was a good one - prosecutors and police zero in on one person and don't bother looking further. The prosecutor was running for office and wanted a win.

This is a film where the main character has a moral dilemma, though to my mind he really didn't have a choice. Perhaps I misinterpreted, but it seemed when he discussed his problem, he was given to believe he would get the chair if he came forward. It was an accident that took place during a monsoon! And you can't 100 percent be sure he is the one who hit her! And there is no proof the defendant did either.

The script here was a letdown with stereotyped characters and holes the size of Mack trucks. People have seen too much true crime today and reality courtroom to fall for some of what was presented.

Clint Eastwood is a fine director who has given us some great films. Alas, this wasn't one of them.

Based on a play by Terence Rattigan, The Prince and the Showgirl stars Marilyn Monroe and, repeating his stage role, Laurence Olivier as the Prince. His costar on stage was his wife, Vivien Leigh.

This film was produced by Monroe's own company. Though it was an unhappy shoot, it was a wonderful role for the actress, and Olivier acquits himself well.

Olivier is a Carpathian Prince who invites Monroe to supper after seeing her in a London performance in 1911 when he visits London for the Coronation of King George. He doesn't get very far with her - she falls asleep after drinking too much - and then he can't get rid of her.

Entertaining movie; unfortunately, the stars, who didn't get along, have no chemistry. Monroe had difficulty learning lines and was often late, driving Olivier insane. Monroe herself had some physical difficulties during filming causing fluid retention, so several versions of her white gown were made to accommodate her weight.

Monroe really shines as Elsie Marina, an American from Milwaukee. As a showgirl impressed by the amenities of royalty, she's also very savvy in the ways of men - and the world. Her performance holds up today - it's vivacious and natural.

Olivier is perfect as the uptight prince who isn't getting his way in anything. And Dame Sybil Thorndike is great with her declarations of fashion and makeup advice.

Definitely for Monroe's legion of fans.

Benedict Cumberbatch is my favorite modern actor, so it goes without saying that I looked forward to The Roses, costarring the wonderful Olivia Colman and directed by Jay Roach.

The Roses is a remake of the superior War of the Roses, about a marriage on the rocks.

Cumberbatch and Colman are fabulous but could have used a more consistent script and been supported by a better cast. Also, there were complaints that the best parts of the film were shown in the film's trailer.

The strongest was the film's beginning, very funny throughout. The most awkward scene for me anyway was the dinner, which contained forced dialogue and was unpleasant. Allison Janney as Colman's lawyer was a riot and should have had more to do.

Worth seeing for the leads.