5/5 Great Movie
  by Leta Govett
I loved the movie..and the very fast service..The Verdict is a classic, and as usual, AMAZON had it...Thanks..Leta

5/5 A striking performance by Newman with an all-star cast
  by Roger J. Buffington (Huntington Beach, CA United States)
"The Verdict" is one of the all-time great courtroom films. The basic storyline involves Paul Newman as a broken-down ambulance-chasing plaintiff's attorney who nonetheless has gotten hold of an excellent medical malpractice case. The Newman character had a streak of very bad luck earlier in his career, and is now an alcoholic wreck, neglecting his law practice as he descends into failure.

One of the interesting things about this film is that unlike most legal flicks, this one involves a civil suit rather than a criminal case. And it handles it, for the most part, very well. In the story Newman totally botches the case in most respects. I did think that the movie's handling of the issues Newman had with the Judge was somewhat unrealistic (no lawyer would speak to a Judge that way). Setting these nits aside, this is nonetheless a fine film and an engaging storyline. I would like to list some of the technical inaccuracies about the trial and litigation process as this film presents them, but I will not for fear of introducing spoilers.

Newman fully explores his range as an actor, a great actor, in this film. In most of his films he plays an assertive, aggressive type. Here, he is hesitant, lacking in confidence--in fact he is a failing wreck who has been defeated by life and past villains. He pulls it off brilliantly, and his characterization is highly believable. This is an Oscar-caliber performance, although Newman was edged out in 1982 when the film hit the theaters.

James Mason pulls a bravo performance as the "Prince of Darkness" defense counsel. I always enjoy Mason, and in this film he does not disappoint.

No one should miss this one. It is one of the greats.

5/5 The Verdict
  by Janis K. Brown (OKC,OK)
In a word: "Riveting". A 1982 release with a great cast. Whoever stole the Oscar from Paul Newman that year after THIS performance should be exiled! No "special effects": just great acting, great story, and a timeless film that is very much underappreciated.

5/5 Mamet's Best Work Ever
  by Inner City Intellect (Detroit, USA)
What is the best part of Sidney Lumet's direction, other than hiring Newman for the lead? Reverting to David Mamet's script that had been rejected years before by other directors. Mamet's troubled childhood forged him into a hard-bitten Stoic and this film is the perfect arena for him to work out his grudges against authority and his advocacy of the meek. As Lumet points out, Mamet gives us just enough of a hint of Newman's character that we can imagine him as an altar boy long gone rancid but still beholden to the promise of grace and redemption. There is no other case, there is no other case. Seneca and James would have been proud.

5/5 The Verdict Is In
  by John Andrew Kay (Long Island, NY USA)
The Verdict is, in my view, the crown jewel performance of a man who had many jewels in his crown of abilities and successes. I recommend this movie to all ages (opps, a little rough on some of the language so it should be seen first by parents). As long as you have lived long enough to make a mistake and then not want to any more this movie will move you. Newman's Best. As an attorney I can say it is moving and motivating (even though some of the tactics are questionable). Awesome supporting cast (James Mason, Jack Warden) and a great interview with Newman on the second CD. Worth every penny because you will want to watch it again and share it with others.