Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Roman J. Israel Esq. (2017)


What is it about? 

An unusual but driven and idealistic lawyer finds himself in a series of events that forces him to his extremes, and ultimately, to make a decision on what he stands for. 

Who is in it? 

Denzel Washington - Roman J. Israel Esq. 

Colin Farrell - George Pierce 

Carmen Ejogo - Maya Alston

Favorite Scene: 

[Spoiler Alert!]

After getting the $100,000 reward, Roman lives it up for a day "on the other side" away from his convictions and thinking of need for social justice. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Each of us is better than the worst thing we ever did."

Review: 

There is something odd and tremendous about this film, and even as I write this review, I still can't put my finger on it. I don't believe it's for everyone, and truthfully, it's a unique niche for some. 

The beauty in Roman J. Israel Esquire is that uniqe view on the world that we each have. Many of us have the view that we just don't understand why the masses operate the way it does without issue. If you have that, Roman's character is highly identifiable and relatable. 

Despite that odd connection, Denzel is simply Denzel in this film - boss. His depiction of Roman is downright awesome, especially in bringing to light the quirks and oddities that make him who he is. 

All in all, this film isn't for everyone, but if it is, you'll enjoy it very much. 

Grade: 3.75/5

Recent Favorites

DP Review of the Alternate Knicks Orange Jersey

One of the good aspects about having a blog and being truthful and honest about it, is the hindsight thought process it provides. DP devotees already know how much I love my New York Knicks, and how excited I was about their new jerseys last year. It was a new look that was desperately needed ( DP Review On Knicks New Uniforms ).  In reviewing those jerseys last year, I had the following comments in regards to then-rumors regarding the addition of an alternative orange jersey for the Knicks and overall NBA changes to the Christmas Day special jerseys:  "As long as we do not add an "alternative jersey" (I read rumors of an orange one - woof!) (and the league-wide Spanish jerseys are fine). And please, please - PLEASE - let's finally do away with the awful green jerseys we feel the need to wear on Christmas and St. Patrick's day! Pretty please!"

Quick Ponder: Daily Armor

Imagine, if we can see the dents and scratches, the smashes and chaos,  on the daily armor, each of us put on. Just imagine. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2024 MLB Season

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports After an off-season where the Los Angeles Dodgers spent the equivalent of a nation's GDP to acquire talent - I'm not sure if that's factual, but it felt like it - the 2024 MLB Season is finally here.  Sure, this Yankees fan is not just annoyed with the big spending of the Dodgers, but yeah, secretly envious as well. That used to be us, man!  Regardless, baseball is back on the docket. While my beloved New York Knicks have my attention and all of my heart, including what has been a fun March Madness period for men's and women's basketball, it's soothing to have baseball back. I can't explain what it is, but baseball just does that for me.  Nonetheless, let's do what we do in this post every year. Here are my wacky predictions and wild guesses for the 2024 season.  --- STANDINGS (WINS) AL EAST Orioles - 93 Yankees - 90 Blue Jays - 85 Red Sox - 82 Rays - 80 AL CENTRAL Twins - 88 Tigers - 86 Guardians - 81 Royals - 70 White Sox -