Juror #2 (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4.5/5
 
Plot
Juror #2 follows family man Justin Kemp (Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma…one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict—or free—the accused killer.
 
My Thoughts
Clint Eastwood was one of my favorite actors when I was growing up but as much as I’ve liked him on screen, his work behind the scenes as a director have been even more impressive. He won an Academy Awards for Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004) and was nominated for Mystic River (2003), Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), and Changeling (2008) and has directed many other entertaining films throughout his vast career which has spanned over 70 years. At 94 years old, he’s still putting out films and in 2024 his latest project hit theaters.
 
Juror #2 is a solid film that was essentially buried by the studio for “strategic reasons.” It was only released in 50 theaters and never expanded beyond that and hit their streaming service Max not long after that. Supposedly, the film was initially considered for direct-to-streaming but was given a theatrical nod as a “gesture of gratitude” to Eastwood for his long history with the studio. Frankly, Eastwood got screwed by this decision because it’s on of his better films that he’s directed in the past 10 years that grabs you from the first scene and never lets go until the credits roll.
 
Courtroom dramas were all the rage about 30 years ago and this film harkens back to that time with a screenplay that feels both vintage and strikingly relevant. Nicholas Hoult shines as Kemp with a nuanced performance capturing the internal conflict of a man at a pivotal moment in his life, with a pregnant wife at home and a murder trial unfolding in front of him. The tension between Kemp’s duty and his personal life is palpable, making for a gripping narrative.
 
Eastwood’s no-nonsense direction takes center stage as he focuses on the human elements of the story rather than on stylistic flair. This approach serves the film well, keeping you engaged through the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Furthermore, the film’s ending is a masterstroke of storytelling, leaving you with much to ponder about the nature of truth and justice and how far one might go to protect their own life or to do what’s right.
 
The presentation on Blu-ray is very good and I have no complaints whatsoever. The video encode is clean and clear and the dialog-intensive soundtrack doesn’t disappoint.   
 
Video 4.5/5
 
Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby Atmos)
 
 
Special Features:

• Movies Anywhere Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
Juror #2 is the kind of adult drama that Hollywood has been missing from its slate for far too long. The screenplay isn’t just about solving the case, but about understanding the human condition when someone is faced with a decision that will not only impact their life, but others around them. We’re in an era where streaming services often dictate what gets seen, and this film is the perfect reminder of the power of cinema in the hands of a master like Eastwood delivering one of the best studio films of 2024. Unfortunately, not a lot of people got to see it due to the bean counters at Warner. Regardless, if this is Eastwood’s swan song, he’s going out on a high note that echoes the best of his directorial legacy. Highly recommended.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

[SRW1000]

Good review, David, and I'm looking forward to watching it.  Sounds like a good recovery from Cry Macho, which was a rare miss for him.

Too bad the studio buried this one, maybe it will find some new life on disc.

[David Vaughn]

Good review, David, and I'm looking forward to watching it.  Sounds like a good recovery from Cry Macho, which was a rare miss for him.

Too bad the studio buried this one, maybe it will find some new life on disc.

I didn't care for Cry Macho either...that was a big miss. 

[bmoney]

Watched this on HBO. Def a good watch

[Craig Peer]

This is on my Amazon " buy list ". Thanks David. 

[David Vaughn]

This is on my Amazon " buy list ". Thanks David.

Enjoy!