The Star Chamber (1983)
DeWayne Jessie, Don Calfa, Hal Holbrook, Jack Kehoe, James B. Sikking ... (see more) , James Sikking , Joe Regalbuto , John DiSanti , Larry Hankin , Michael Douglas , Sharon Gless , Yaphet Kotto
Judge Stephen Hardin finds himself distraught when he's forced to dismiss the charges against an obviously guilty criminal due to a legal technicality. Judge Ben Caufield, sensing Hardin's distress, informs him that a secret organization of judges has been meeting and hiring a hitman to kill other c... (read more) Judge Stephen Hardin finds himself distraught when he's forced to dismiss the charges against an obviously guilty criminal due to a legal technicality. Judge Ben Caufield, sensing Hardin's distress, informs him that a secret organization of judges has been meeting and hiring a hitman to kill other criminals who have similarly gotten off the hook. Caufield invites Hardin to join the organization. Hardin proceeds to wrestle with his conscience, especially when he presides over the trial of two obviously guilty child molesters/murderers...
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R, 109 min.
Directed by:
Peter Hyams
Release Date: Aug 05, 1983
DVD Release Date: Feb 01, 2005
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The film raises some interesting ethical questions about the justice system, or at least the early 80's justice system, and it features a fantastic supporting performance from James B. Sikking (yes, Doogie Howser's father). But then it falls off a l... (read more) The film raises some interesting ethical questions about the justice system, or at least the early 80's justice system, and it features a fantastic supporting performance from James B. Sikking (yes, Doogie Howser's father). But then it falls off a little bit near the halfway point, turning itself more into a fairly entertaining thriller rather than a more thought provoking film.
I remember catching this film one night on BBC1. Had no intention of watching it but gave it a go. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. Is a good little film. The story is quite original, the acting is good and the direction and sets also w... (read more) I remember catching this film one night on BBC1. Had no intention of watching it but gave it a go. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. Is a good little film. The story is quite original, the acting is good and the direction and sets also work well. Ok so its dated a little, but films like this kind of work better when they have dated a bit. Def worth a watch :)
Good idea for a story, pretty bad execution by what should have been a good cast.
A film with an intruiging premise poorly executed by illogical and silly decisions made by it's protaganist's. The central character is played by the usually dependable Michael Douglas who at times seems to be sleepwalking through the role. The whole... (read more) A film with an intruiging premise poorly executed by illogical and silly decisions made by it's protaganist's. The central character is played by the usually dependable Michael Douglas who at times seems to be sleepwalking through the role. The whole idea of the secret judges club is brought into the movie far to late to really make an impact with the viewer. And i just couldn't buy the stupid crusade Douglas goes on to save two criminals. There are a few neat supporting turns from Hal Halbrook and Yaphet Kotto but they can't save this movie from two star inigomy.
I once had quite high regard for this 1983 "judge vigilante" flick starring Michael Douglas. 25 years on I discover its actually a REAL stinker
starring Micheal Douglas (and a host of 70s stars). The Star Chamber tries to play like a Hitchcock suspense movie crossed with "Deathwish", but Douglas is no Jimmy Stewart and he's no Charles Bronson either. The movie plays on the fears of crime and... (read more) starring Micheal Douglas (and a host of 70s stars). The Star Chamber tries to play like a Hitchcock suspense movie crossed with "Deathwish", but Douglas is no Jimmy Stewart and he's no Charles Bronson either. The movie plays on the fears of crime and criminals going free that was so prevelant in the 80s. Child pornographers getting away scottfree because the police didn't have the proper search warrants, etc. The Star Chamber in question is a group of judges who have guilty consciences about having to let criminals go on technicalities and decide to take vigilante justice. This movie left me pretty ambivilent, and I can't say I recommend anyone watch it, unless it sounds really, really interesting to you.
justice and law doesn't have to clash this way it the law makers had good intention of giving justice thorugh law...
OH God my head is throbbing from boredom. A good premise gone to waste, plus why is Douglas holding a gun on the DVD cover - doesn't happen in the movie.
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