The Verdict - 7 stars out of 10

The Verdict - 7 stars out of 10

"The Verdict" isn't Paul Newman's best film, but it was a great role for him.  My biggest criticism of courtroom dramas is that the research process moves slowly and things don't pick up until they are in court.  This film is guilty of that pattern but those slow parts give Newman a chance to really act.  To compliment the successful career of Newman, 2-time Oscar winner Jack Warden is cast as his partner, creating another memorable role.  Finally, Charlotte Rampling was the highlight of the film for me as makes this film about more than what happens in the court room.  The film has a very unexpected twist which adds to the heartless portrayal of the justice system and the trail unfolds with unexpected discord.  I can't rate it as high as "A Few Good Men" but "The Verdict"s gritty questioning of the fairness of the justice system gives Paul Newman another chance to portray the down-and-out drunk character with excellence once again.