58
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe A.V. ClubNathan RabinJustice is seldom as deep or trenchant as it wants to be, but there's abundant pleasure to be gleaned from skating along its surfaces.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertHere's an angry comedy crossed with an expose and held together by one of those high-voltage Al Pacino performances that's so sure of itself we hesitate to demur.
- 70NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenIf the movie is a mess, it's a vital, entertaining mess -- the most interesting film Jewison (F.I.S.T., In the Heat of the Night) has made in years. [22 Oct 1979, p.102]
- 60EmpireEmpireIf an uneasy mix of humour and sadness never quite gels, its message is clear and its cast uniformly strong.
- 60Washington PostGary ArnoldWashington PostGary ArnoldTaking frantic aim at a fairly promising target -- American jurisprudence -- And Justice for All makes a trigger-happy, scatterbrained spectacle of itself. Although it shatters all over the screen, this would-be topical satire may strike enough chords among rabble-rousing yahoos to become a hit of sorts. Profoundly depressing sorts, that is. [19 Oct 1979, p.B6]
- 50Time OutTime OutAlmost as if he were scared of becoming too serious, Jewison alternates some incredibly powerful moments with breezy farce, and also proceeds to drown the whole thing under a sub-disco score. The result is a bit like finding lumps of condensed milk in your gravy.
- 40TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineNo character development, ridiculous situations, and a miserably written script attempting to indict corrupt legal and judicial systems add up to a tiresome and pointless film where Pacino is wasted as a witness to a parade of lunatics.
- 40The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyWith the exception of Mr. Strasberg and Mr. Levene, the actors are as hysterical as their material. The screenplay has one funny exchange. Other than that, the screenplay and the direction are a complete muddle.