Denzel Washington stars as Roman J. Israel, Esq. a mildly savant criminal defense attorney whose life is turned upside down when his longtime law partner passes away. Suddenly the passionate civil rights attorney who thanks to his fiery demeanor should stay far away from an actual courtroom, is left looking for a job. He is forced to settle for working for George Pierce (Colin Farrell) a successful defense attorney, whom Roman views as a profiteer who doesn't care about his clients. The entire ordeal breaks Roman, who sells out his ideals and loses sight of who he was.

Denzel gives a good performance as the extremely passionate and slightly eccentric Roman J. Israel Esq., but Roman's penchant for long rambling speeches made for tedious viewing. Colin Farrell's Pierce develops into a much deeper character than he originally appears to be and is utilized well. However, while Roman's struggle to find his identity is the core of the film it never really is able to captivate. Ultimately the film settles in as an interesting character study that struggles to come together as anything more than that. While many would be content with that, it is a disappointing follow up for Dan Gilroy after his excellent debut with Nightcrawler.

Being on a roll watching and reviewing as many 2017-2018 films as possible, especially those that garnered award nominations and wins, 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' was another film on my to see list as part of those quests. Part of me was intrigued in seeing it, liking Denzel Washington as an actor, but the trailer/advertising didn't grab me and some of the lukewarm/mixed reviews made me slightly apprehensive.

Am actually glad about watching 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' It is not without its flaws, and they are not small ones either, and there are far better films from the year (as well as far worse, this is somewhere around high middle). It is however a film with a lot to like and love, and it is far better than the advertising and trailers made out. They really don't do it justice and mislead the viewer in what the film is about, and while there is an agreement with a few criticisms it is better than the mixed reception too.

'Roman J. Israel Esq' could have been better. Its biggest stumbling block is the script, which tends to be rather clunky and muddled. Not always, but enough for it to distract.

While the story is absorbing and well done on the whole, there are instances where the pace could have been tighter and some plot points clearer and less confused. Am another person who also found the ending far too abrupt, it didn't feel like one and there was the sense that the writers didn't know how to end it.

However, 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' is worth watching primarily for Washington, who is absolutely remarkable in the title role and gives some of his best work in a pretty demanding role where he completely transforms and which he fully inhabits. A slick Colin Farrell also gives one of his better performances, his best since 'In Bruges' perhaps. The rest of the cast are also strong, but it's Washington that the viewer remembers.

Luckily, in what is essentially a character-driven film, the characters are interesting. Particularly the authentic and vividly written Roman, who to me was easy to root for.

Other than Washington's performances, the other stars are the truly evocative and fantastic-looking production values, especially the cinematography and scenery, and the very soulful soundtrack that really takes one back to the period.

Storytelling is uneven, but there are many parts where it moves, inspires and intrigues, while the values are delivered with just the right amount of force without going overboard that it becomes didactic and the messaging is well-intentioned and easy to be inspired by. The direction is competent, with some clunky moments when the story is in its weaker stretches.

In summary, good film and much better than expected. Worth seeing primarily for Washington whose performance is not easy to forget. 7/10 Bethany Cox