Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Melanie Bouvet The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Billie Morin This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Scarlet The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

SnoopyStyle Dan Snow (Walter Matthau) is a liberal Supreme Court Judge. He is sadden by his friend's death, his conservative opposite on the bench. He is horrified when the President picks Orange County conservative judge Ruth Loomis (Jill Clayburgh) to be the new replacement despite her being the first female Supreme Court Judge.The issues being fought over almost seem quaint at times. It kinda goes back and forth without finding a direction. Their arguing is not any fun and gets tiresome rather quickly. There is humor in Matthau's grumpiness and some banter. At least, they don't get together which partially saves this.

vincentlynch-moonoi Let's see. We need to cast a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Who would be good? I can't say that Walter Matthau would come to my mind very readily. And yet, as I sat there watching this film again after 34 years, it occurred to me that perhaps, this was Matthau's best performance because it is not at all type casting. And his repartee with Jill Clayburgh when they were discussing pornography is just brilliant.Of course, today this film seems dated. We have more than one female justice of the Supreme Court, and indeed, one was selected right about when this film came out.There is one big problem with this film from my perspective. The ending leaves everything up in the air. So much more could have been done with the conclusion of the film.Beyond that, it's a very nice production (and for film buffs, one of the producers was actress Martha Scott). Other than the interiors of the Supreme Court, much was shot on location.The cast was excellent. As I already indicated, Walter Matthau was superb here in his role as a liberal curmudgeon on the Supreme Court. And, there's great chemistry with Jill Clayburgh, who played the first female member of the Supreme Court. Barnard Hughes was just right for the role of Chief Justice. Jan Sterling had a minor role as Matthau's wife. James Stephens was a young actor who sort of disappeared after a while, but I always thought he was excellent, as he is here.While not a perfect film, it's darned good, and I rather admire it. A strong "7".

Bud-K The dialogue is priceless, and the physical comedy is great too, i.e., Barnard Hughes never says a word as he approaches Matthau's office where Matthau and Clayburgh are in a heated debate; it's a long shot from the office doorway as he approaches, and as soon as he is within earshot, he does a perfect "to the rear, march" without missing a beat!I agree wholeheartedly with the comments of bato-2 except for the "comedy isn't much" remark. Why such a low rating?This movie is among the many that I have taped, and I return to it often for "pure enjoyment".

myrddyn Clayburgh did a fantastic job of balancing Matthau's usual strong performance. The two struck a rapport that I never expected, and they ran off with the movie. I gave it an 8 instead of a 10 mostly because the script and cast couldn't keep up with them. Also, they have some weak spots when they go for light-hearted comedy. For me, the real shining light of the entire show was the way the two managed to continue an understandable discussion of the hot issues in jurisprudence of that time -- at least fifteen minutes of viewing are justified by that historical perspective alone. In short, it's heart-warming, well-acted in the leads, and technically tighter than most viewers would realize.