though melodramatic events were a factor in "Nightcrawler," they are more troublesome in this film, and as unconvincing incidents pile one on the other, they work against the power of Washington's performance
the new thriller "Roman J. Israel, Esq." has Washington sporting a paunch, unkempt afro, huge specs and an oversize burgundy suit that's straight outta 1974
Gilroy's movie is above standard-issue legal thriller but below the transcendent personal drama it aspires to be... Illuminated by Washington's humane artistry, Roman J. Israel, Esq. earns our respect