In this real life drama Alabama death row inmate Walter MacMillian is played compassionately by Jamie Foxx. Michael B. Jordan plays the lawyer trying to overturn his conviction. The two of them have marvelous screen chemistry. Their scenes feel real, layered and deeply affecting. Wonderful performances also by (Sacramento native) Brie Larson of Stevenson’s office manager Eva Ansley and Tim Blake Nelson as seriously damaged prosecutorial star witness Ralph Myers.
Even though I had read the book, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how it would come out. This is possibly the only benefit of middle-aged mental status. I cried quite a bit, but not because its all sad. It’s mostly moving. I’d recommend it for anybody. Good for any child over 12, I’d say. Adult themes but true and powerful — they might be disappointed not to see Michael B. Jordan win a boxing match or fight a glorious battle. But I wasn’t. Come to think of it. He actually does both here. He just does it in a suit and tie. My favorite armor.
Great super quick date night by the way is to go beforehand to India Oven in the Natomas Marketplace (right next to that Starbucks). They have a really solid buffet with lots of yummy choices. We waltzed in at 6:15pm and ate delicious food immediately. Even had time for a quick trip to Staples to redeem some $23 in coupons before the 7:20pm showing of this film at Regal Natomas Cinema. Bonus points if you walk from India Oven to Staples to Regal Natomas but no self-respecting Californian would do that when the temperature had dipped into the low 50s, brrrr–we had to wear multiple layers!
