Jury duty? Aw, man! I hate jury duty! So begins any number of tired standup routines delivered to tens of disinterested audience members in many a middle school talent show, 2000s sitcom, or grungy back room comedy club that doubles as a meeting place for the local AA chapter, but the 1957 classic courtroom drama 12 Angry Men is here to remind us that doing one’s civic duty is more than just a way to kill a couple weeks watching slow-mo replays of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s marriage imploding, it can often be a matter of life and death, and what a reminder it is! This week join the usual hosts of Magellans at the Movies as they look back on Sidney Lumet’s spectacular movie debut full of incredible performances, masterful cinematography, and thought-provoking themes along with the brothers’ usual complement of banter and recommendations. I can’t wait!
