12 Angry Men (1997)

Decent remake
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers who give the nod to the original version over this remake, but, all in all, it still is a decent film that is a study of the justice system. While not as in depth as the original, this is a worthy remake.

When a young man is on trial for murder, it is up to a jury of twelve men from different ethnicities and backgrounds to decide his fate. When one juror (Jack Lemmon) boldly takes the stance that he believes the man is not guilty, it sets off fireworks and arguments in the jury room. Each man is given their chance to defend their stance, and, as they fight over whether the young man killed a person, some begin to see the errors of their judgment. Highlighted by an all-star cast, there are many well-known actors who are members of the jury, including Tony Danza, George C. Scott, and Edward James Olmos.

The film's subject probably relates to anyone who has had to serve on a jury, and knows the personality clashes that exist within the jury room. What I like about this film is that is really speaks to the idea that one person can have a huge impact in the court of law or in any part of life if they continue to trust their instincts or beliefs. Juror 8 doesn't waver in this regard. Another poignant aspect of the film is the idea of what is fair as far as the jury system goes. As depicted in the film, a few of the jury clearly just wants to "get the case over with" so they can go on with their regular lives. Perhaps one of the subtle messages evoked from 12 Angry Men is that maybe there are flaws in the jury system that need to be addressed.

Twelve Angry Men relies much on dialogue to create suspense (rather than action), and for the fact that they are able to capture it (in this version and in the original), I commend it. Almost the entire film takes place in the jury room with the jurors. If you need big explosions, drive-by shootings, or dramatic car chases, or blood and guts, then this might not be a film for you. This is a film that caters to dealing with the justice system, and the jurors one by one try to understand the psychology and motives of someone accused of murder.

Check it out!

3 1/2 stars

Dear MGM, WHERE IS THE DVD???!!!
I saw this movie back when it was on television and I loved it! I also like the older version. I can get that one on DVD but WHY CAN'T I GET THIS ONE ON DVD??? MGM, it is time to release this movie on DVD!!!!

My favorite movie...
Excellent, provocative. I loved it! Got me thinking for sure. I saw both this and the silver screen version. I loved this later version much better. Maybe because I could relate to the situation that was modernized some as I am from this era. The silver screen (old) version is kinda cheesy.