12 Angry Men (1997)
It’s a tough decision to remake a good classic, since so many people will avoid it on principle and choose to stick with their loyalty. The 1997 television remake of 12 Angry Men made an excellent casting choice with the leading juror: Jack Lemmon. Henry Fonda was so unlikable, wooden, whiny, and unconvincing, I couldn’t believe the other jurors would listen to him. With Jack Lemmon, you believe his passion and you want to listen to him. He’s not just reading a script; he truly wants to see the young boy get a fair trial.
As for the infamous Juror #3, Lee J. Cobb was wonderful in the original. He couldn’t have been any better, so how do you compete with that? With George C. Scott, who also couldn’t be any better. It’s a wonderful role, and it can show off any great character actor’s acting chops. No matter which version you watch, when Juror #3 has his big scene, you feel it deep in your heart. Hume Cronyn, Ossie Davis, Dorian Harewood, James Gandolfini, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Tony Danza, Mykelti Williamson, Edward James Olmos, and William Peterson made up the other members of the jury. As the new era appeals to a new generation, there’s a lot more diversity in the cast; I’m sure the next remake will have a predominantly female jury to appeal to an even more modern audience. In 1997, the only woman in the cast is Mary McDonnell, the judge. Even if you love the original version, I’m sure you’ll love the remake as well. Once again, it has great acting, and the since the story isn’t changed, you’ll still feel moved and inspired at the end.
More George C. Scott movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1957's 12 Angry Men here!
As for the infamous Juror #3, Lee J. Cobb was wonderful in the original. He couldn’t have been any better, so how do you compete with that? With George C. Scott, who also couldn’t be any better. It’s a wonderful role, and it can show off any great character actor’s acting chops. No matter which version you watch, when Juror #3 has his big scene, you feel it deep in your heart. Hume Cronyn, Ossie Davis, Dorian Harewood, James Gandolfini, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Tony Danza, Mykelti Williamson, Edward James Olmos, and William Peterson made up the other members of the jury. As the new era appeals to a new generation, there’s a lot more diversity in the cast; I’m sure the next remake will have a predominantly female jury to appeal to an even more modern audience. In 1997, the only woman in the cast is Mary McDonnell, the judge. Even if you love the original version, I’m sure you’ll love the remake as well. Once again, it has great acting, and the since the story isn’t changed, you’ll still feel moved and inspired at the end.
More George C. Scott movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1957's 12 Angry Men here!