It's a brilliant performance in a film that's an honorable misstep.

There's an interesting drama in there, but it has not been given time to fight its way out of the semi-digested mulch all around.

We don't learn very much about Israel's relationships or motivations from the screenplay, but it's fascinating to watch Washington's display of repressed turmoil.

Cloaked inside a frumpy legal savant, "Roman J. Israel, Esq." is another exemplary piece of evidence to Denzel Washington's range, focus, and presence.