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

WWE Survivor Series 2023 Review: "Whaddya Wanna Talk About?"

Well, following that premium live event, in the words of Cody Rhodes... "whaddya wanna talk about?"  The obvious is there, right? CM Punk, somehow, makes a bid for another moment-of-the-year candidate for wrestling fans with another "return" - his second over the last four years. This one, back to the WWE, in what felt like the most improbable of opportunities. But as we've learned, WWE truly is where you "never say never".  You can go in so many directions on this one. But without going too far down a road that hasn't developed or we have some headlights on, it's quite clear that WWE is absolutely crushing the wrestling business right now, and adding anything - or anyone - to that continued record success is the mission. They. Are. Not. Settled.  Second, the unveil I thought was great. Just absolute pro wrestling at its peak. As soon as the guitar riff to "Cult of Personality" hit and the familiar graphics hit the screens, my immedia

Quick Ponder: Gratitude

  My sense of gratitude explodes within my heart when I cease expressing it through the tangible, but rather through, time and moments.  Happy Thanksgiving, all. 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/26/23

3 Up 1. Hostages Released - It might not be an overwhelming consensus - as this topic is so polarizing that I doubt we come to such agreements. Regardless, having innocent individuals released is a plus in the situation. I wish we still didn't have innocent people dying, but that's a whole other topic.  1a. Cease Fire - Who knows how long this will last. But the fact there is an agreement in place while hostages are being released is a plus. Take it.  2. Thanksgiving - The older I get, the more this day has a deeper focus and a sense of gratitude. Please take a moment today to focus on that among all of the chaos of food, family, friends, and everything else.  3. CM Punk Return - How cool was that? CM Punk returns to the WWE at the Survivor Series. Never say never in that company.  3 Down 1. NBA Ethics Optics - From Miles Bridges to Josh Giddey, its been really difficult lately to trust the NBA's moral compass. I'm not throwing them under the bus as they've done the