From the Hip (1987) User Reviews

Should have concentrated on second story

[stills-6 · 7/10 · 4 October 1999]

A funny, insightful script that is treated a bit too lightly by the principals. No one looks like they're taking the story seriously except John Hurt, whose performance towers above everyone else's (it's too bad he only occupies the screen for 20 or so minutes). There are the odd moments of idiocy, and the entire effect is like an above average episode of a television law drama.

My favorite scene is where Judd Nelson crouches behind a table full of classic literature, tossing out books at the judge. Sometimes, Nelson doesn't quite know what his character is doing, but he manages to entertain and keep the focus on him.

But the first half of the movie is farce and the second half (Hurt's story) is serious drama. At one point this is signaled by Dan Monahan, who says, "This isn't fun anymore." There are some good gags throughout and the drama could hold its own if the first part of the movie weren't so long. It could have been shortened considerably to make the John Hurt story longer and more effective. I enjoyed watching this movie and would recommend it to anyone who likes television law type shows.

A perfect example of why we should continue to ask the question: 'Why did Judd Nelson seemingly fade away to unknown obscurity?'

[Toadfish · 7/10 · 23 May 2000]

Once again we are reminded of the waste of a fantastic actor, and question why it was that Judd Nelson faded so quickly into TV limbo-land. In 'From the Hip' he might as well be playing John Bender, 5 years on from his Saturday morning detention in 'The Breakfast Club'. All the Bender traits are there - the showcasing, the cunning, the witty comments, and the lovable rogue charm. An excellent supporting cast keep the pace going, with John Hurt turning in one of his finest performances. The only problem I had with this movie is that it doesn't know whether it wants to be a comedy or a grizzly murder mystery. Despite that, it is a shame that this is one of those movies that not a great deal of people even know exists. I do admit I'm a big Judd Nelson fan (only please don't ever mention 'Blindfold - Acts of Obsession'!) so maybe I'm biased regarding the quality of this film, although I think there is something here that will appeal to everybody, right down to an obligatory romance (though i found it strange that although Robin's girlfriend tells him she loves him on 4 separate occasions, never once does he utter the words back to her).Know what? I should really get out more! EXCELSIOR.

A Fun Legal Dramedy

[monkeysgalore · 7/10 · 18 March 2020]

Tonal shifts, murder by hammer (not shown), Judd Nelson's hair, and yes, even a vibrator.

What I've just described to you sounds like a misheard phone conversation. It's not. What it is, is a list of ingredients in this movie. From the Hip is a movie that has all those things and is still somehow watchable. Stranger too, it's entertaining.

From the Hip should never work. And it doesn't. Not for a second. But it's fun and it holds your attention until you forget just how preposterous and unrealistic it all is.

It's a legal dramedy. Yes, it really does combine three genres, and you know what? There's even a little thriller in there. The movie doesn't exactly merge genres, but rather, it switches from one to the other at certain times. It starts out as a screwball comedy, moves into a heavy legal drama, and by the third act, it enters gripping legal thriller territory. Yes, the tonal shifts are that jarring, but somehow give the movie charm. It's as if the screenwriter forgot the earlier parts while writing the later parts, and once he put it together, realized he had no time to make them fit better. But it is fun.

Judd Nelson and John Hurt are great in this movie, and Judd Nelson gives probably the most likable performance of his career. Unlike the tool he played in The Breakfast Club (1985), you actually want to root for his character here.

While it's totally unbelievable and unrealistic, it's pretty fun and entertaining, and if you weren't super into the over-the-top comedy in the beginning, it gets better, so don't worry. It's like if Hudson Hawk (1991) became a completely serious movie halfway through. It even maintains the seriousness right up until the climax, which seems very derivative of many other legal thrillers until you realize that this movie preceded them all. Check it out. It's worth at least one watch, and it's just a nice movie to be able to say you saw.

Smart - Funny - Clever - Entertaining

[smitty-45 · 1 November 2007]

Don't listen to the negative reviews or nay sayers. Decide for yourself the way we did. Judd Nelson is terrific in this entertaining movie. There should've have been a sequel but unfortunately just like many other terrific movies the studio didn't market this movie AT ALL. From opening to the end you're interested in the story and colorful well written characters. Trust me -- it's a truly entertaining movie in the tradition of all of the other brat pack movies. The script is clever and the pacing swift. The movie keeps you involved and the actors never miss a beat. Nelson and Perkins have chemistry and let's hope they do another movie some day.

All Judd Nelson all the time

[xredgarnetx · 6/10 · 15 September 2007]

FROM THE HIP is the story of a young defense lawyer (Nelson) trying his first case, a simple assault. He grandstands, wins the case, makes headlines and is immediately handed a capital murder case to defend. How he handles that case is what the movie is about. He is defending John Hurt in the vicious slayings of two people whose bodies have never been found. Nelson is in way over his head, and knows it. He also is not convinced of Hurt's innocence. In real life, this wouldn't matter, but since this is a movie, he comes down with a bad case of conscience. Elizabeth Perkins is aboard as Nelson's loyal girlfriend and several veteran actors including Darren McGavin, Ray Walston and Nancy Marchand show up to further the story. But HIP is really all about Judd Nelson's brash and rash young lawyer, which allows one to overlook some obvious plot holes and bizarre courtroom antics. At times, Nelson may remind you of Robert Downey Jr.

Legal satire and conundrums just work for me I guess.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 18 October 2009]

Robin "Stormy" Weathers is desperate to rise up the ladder at the law firm he is employed by - sooner rather than later! Manufacturing a series of events, Weathers crow bars his way into a position of prestige. But just as he thinks he has finally made it, the partners saddle him with a no-win trial...

Directed by Bob Clark and starring Judd Nelson (Weathers), Elizabeth Perkins, John Hurt and Darren McGavin, From The Hip is a quintessentially 1980s picture. Oozing a yuppie law firm vibe and with Brat Packer Nelson leading the way, it's no great shock to proclaim it as such really. That's not to say it deserves to stay back in that decade though, for although it hasn't aged well in context to our evolving societies, and as implausible as "Stormy's" legal shenanigans are, the piece serves up a nice blend of satire and legal ethic conundrums.

It's also decidedly funny, that is until John Hurt arrives as a pompous suspected murderer and not only steals the film, but also swerves it to a far darker place. Perhaps it's a blend too far since the film is poorly rated by many? Maybe Hurt's preening, borderline psychotic peacock performance only serves to bring to light the deficiencies of the other cast members? What I do know is that my recent revisit to the film still brought many a chuckle as "Stormy" pulls his bag of tricks in the court room, and yes I was still on the edge of my seat during the gripping finale as Hurt's Douglas Benoit is called to the witness box. . 7/10

what a great film

[antm1967 · 7/10 · 16 March 2005]

FRom the hip it a great comedy because. starts goods gets going faster the hummer is so funny at the first half. starts as a comedy then goes into a drama. tries to go into a drama then goes back to comedy in the second half . I think it should have stayed with the comedy it was the best part . It did all right with the drama it slowed the move right down when it started to go to the drama side then went back to the comedy then back. JUDD nelson did a great job on this movie he really got his teeth into it i really thought he was a lawyer.so did the rest of the cast. i don't think there was a wrong actor in it . i recommend this movie a MUST SEE.

Not worth the price of an admission ticket today

[policy134 · 3/10 · 14 November 2010]

Almost forgotten today, but did you know that Judd Nelson was a big movie star in the 80's? I can almost definitely predict that this movie killed his career until he had somewhat of a comeback with New Jack City and not to mention becoming involved with a 90210 star.

The movie was made in the 80s, is about the 80s and even has a line about yuppies in it. Judd doesn't really embarrass himself but if the story had been more about his character and not the grisly murder case he is handed, it would have been a little more interesting. Don't get me wrong. The murder trial is very well staged but so is an episode of The Practice or Boston Legal. Ironically, David E. Kelly had a hand in both this and the above mentioned titles.

The first part is a sly satire about, for a lack of a better word, yuppie culture. Young man rises to the top with twisting the screws in an unorthodox manner. It's funny how he almost gets it all in 10 seconds. Were the 80s really like that? I guess so for some people at least.

Of course, the yuppie gets his comeuppance. That's when the story turns. Dan Monahan spells it out for us: "This ain't fun anymore". Indeed it isn't. Just because the story takes a more serious tone doesn't make it better, though. Nelson's performance gets weaker the more serious the story gets. John Hurt's defendant is well played but you somehow know from your gut that he can't be innocent. After all, it is John Hurt.

The court proceedings are mostly of the dramatic license variety and has very little to do with actual court proceedings. That would be okay, if the case surrounding it wasn't so cut and dried. We know the defendant is guilty and there isn't very much surprise in the outcome.

Too bad. This could have been a good movie, not a great one, but good. All you had to do was had a little surprise twist. What if the John Hurt character was guilty but was acquitted?

A little known, great great movie

[lunny100 · 10/10 · 10 December 2009]

Quite simply I love this movie, not because I have an affinity to any of the actors but simply because it's a very easy way to pass a couple of hours.

For movie which attempts to broach one of the legal systems greatest dilemmas (how to defend the guilty) the screenwriters and director somehow manage to deal with the issue seriously yet without allowing the movie to become heavy and dry.

You will laugh as there are many genuinely funny scenes and yet you will also appreciate the very real and serious ethical dilemma "stormy" finds himself in.

John Hurt does steal the show somewhat with a performance that is nothing short of chilling, but the movie is not just about John and the supporting cast are pretty good as well. Criticism of Judd Nelson for this role is certainly unwarranted.

If you want a nice easy watch, which you can chose to just enjoy or to actually have a proper think about then this is a very good place to start.

Do yourself a favour find the movie in a bargain bin, watch it and wonder why you never bothered to see it before

Courtroom dramedy that is better than the sum of its parts

[myfinchums-79896 · 6/10 · 27 July 2021]

There's something good about this one. Sure, it's dated, some of the jokes don't land, it's very unrealistic and the acting and technical qualities are all over the place, but it remains entertaining for nearly the entire runtime. Judd Nelson is sorta flat, but him and his lawyer friends (Dan Monahan and David Alan Grier) are still fun to watch. There's some great character acting (by Darren McGavin, Edward Winter, Nancy Marchand, Ray Walston, Alan Arbuand) and the story keeps stringing you along while time flies. This might not be the most deep film you ever see, but it is oddly charming.

The story, about a young junior lawyer pulling antics to quickly rise the ranks, is filled with preposterous courtroom scenes that somehow, through humor, make you forget how stupid the proceedings are. Swinging a hammer around and arguing about using curse words during a deposition are just good bits. The third act takes a serious turn, the movie suffering for it, and there are some weird things that don't add up by the end (what was Judd's obsession with those comic characters about? Why is his friend having girl troubles?) but overall it's a decent lazy afternoon movie.

"Bzzzzzzzzzzt"

Watchable but not very good

[pmtelefon · 5/10 · 2 January 2023]

I first saw "From the Hip" in the theater (Movie World, Douglaston, NY) I've seen it quite a few times since. I like to watch it every few years even though it's not very good. It's a mostly obnoxious watch. Judd Nelson is completely over-the-top. He's pretty annoying most of the movie (although he does have a nice moment here and there). The supporting cast is strong but many of them deliver sub-par performances. When it comes to ridiculous, heavy-handed courtroom dramedies; "From the Hip" comes in a close second to "...And Justice for All" (which isn't very good either). Those two movie would make a good double feature.

Better than you'd think

[mslweyls · 9/10 · 1 October 2006]

I stumbled across this movie on a whim, and it's become one of my favorites. A great mix of drama and humor, it's fun while still maintaining the suspense of a psychological drama. Judd Nelson gives a great performance as Stormy Weathers (love his name!) and John Hurt is spooky as the crazed Benoit. The question of ethics for attorneys is a thought-provoking commentary on our justice system, and the hearing on the swear word is such great satire! I have shown this to my high school students on "reward days" and they have enjoyed it so much. The tension at the end is unbelievable!

Truly an underrated film . . . so glad I found it on DVD!

Odor In The Court.

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 28 January 2014]

This comes off a little better if you haven't seen it in several years and can view it with a fresher sensibility. The first half of this courtroom story is farcical and much of it is pretty thin, and what's not thin is forced. An ambitious young lawyer (Judd Nelson) at a Boston firm does everything possible to attract attention, turning his first minor case into a comic First Amendment blockbuster, pivoting on the question of whether the word "A**hole" should be stricken from the record. Nelson has a couple of friends on his side and a beautiful girl friend (Elizabeth Perkins) who is there to provide support and moral guidance.

He needs the moral guidance. The second half turns into a serious examination of a defense counselor's responsibility to his client. The client in this case is the arrogant self-proclaimed professor, John Hurt, who may or may not have killed his lover and her boyfriend. Hurt is a thoroughly unlikable guy. Nelson becomes convinced that his client actually did murder the girl, but he can't resign from the case or get Hurt to confess.

Two people emerge from this hodge podge with their dignities thoroughly intact -- John Hurt as the likely killer and Nancy Marchand as the head of the law firm that employs and, perforce, promotes Nelson to partner.

The dramatic second half is more engaging than the constant snickering and laughter of the first half. Hurt does a phenomenal job of turning from a supercilious bastard into a wretched lunatic by incremental steps. But the legal procedures should never be taken as realistic. Both of Nelson's parents were attorneys and he generously pointed out errors. I was the courtroom sketch artist and it was an enjoyable shoot except for the humid, dense, blistering atmosphere of the sound stage. When the milieu was too noisy, Nelson was fond of shouting, "Odor in the court!" Bob Clark was probably one of the least pretentious directors around. He died in a car crash with his son. He left no masterpieces behind, but his horror film, "Dead of Night," has more social significance than might be expected.

Funny film that tackles a relevant legal issue

[rpzowie · 9 December 2001]

What should an attorney do when defending a client they know is guilty? From the hip deals with this legal dilemma in a very amusing format. Judd Nelson is hilarious as an irreverent attorney who gets results. I thought this film was hilarious. Why people, thought this was a "mongrel of a film", makes me wonder, again, if they were actually awake when reviewing this film. Lighten up. I give this film three out of four stars.

Quite Suspenseful.

[DP80 · 7/10 · 21 June 2002]

I found this movie to be suspenseful and comedic at the same time. Definitely a movie I would recommend and would also watch multiple times, which is unusual for a suspense movie. Once you know the ending, you normally would not want to see it again. But the manipulation in the movie is performed so well that you can watch it time and time again.

Okay if you can overlook a lot

[ProofUndeniable · 7/10 · 24 July 2003]

Overall not a bad movie if you can overlook the ridiculous way the judicial system is portrayed. Everything that happens in this movie pertaining to the law is sensationalized and cliché, but if you can ignore that and just appreciate it for the story about a man who is caught up in his personal sense of right and wrong, then it's a funny and charming film. This story centers around a young attorney named Robin "Stormy" Weathers who manages to make partner in his law firm after his very first case. He is immediately handed a high profile capital murder trial and is not sure how to handle it. Elizabeth Perkins is well cast as Robin Weathers' sweet and perpetually understanding girlfriend. John Hurt is downright diabolical in his scenes as the defendant on trial for capital murder. And Judd Nelson, as Weathers, is endearing as an attorney forced to defend a man he's not sure is innocent. The main problems with this film are the aforementioned clichés about the justice system and some fairly cheesy dialogue. Not an absolute must see unless a fan of one of the lead actors, but not a bad watch if you happen to catch it on cable.

Seeing the funny side.

[lost-in-limbo · 8/10 · 26 August 2009]

Mmm, I liked it… quite a bit. Bob Clark writes/directs this comedy courtroom drama with many screwball antics but also well managed serious elements. Having it sit in both camps could've been disastrous, but while it isn't always 100% in convening them together. I found it hard not be gripped, and trying to wipe the grin of my face. However it's a glowingly clever little concept (falling in two parts), which is brought across by Judd Nelson's bouncy performance. He plays Robin Weathers a young, brash Boston lawyer that goes about things in a very unconventional manner, but these questionable methods gets the results. Embarrassment for his firm, but everyone else loves it. So after his first big win, he joins the firm's partnership and then finds himself dumped with a murder case which he has no hope of winning. This was purposely done, so his partners could get rid of him.

The smart-lipped script is very agreeable with the smooth flowing pace and playful score adding to the amusing diversions. The comical interplay is quite heavy with ballistic energy in the early stages as the courtroom is a show-stopping circus of noisy gags (which has great snappy performance from Ray Walston as the judge of the courtroom), but when it gets to the main case that's when those dramatic aspects mingle in (like its stinging if transparent climax), but never leaving the theatrically colorful zinger and humour behind. Clark makes it work, as it's never over-cooked and has a purpose to steering the action and situations. John Hurt is amazing as the intensely cocky defendant that Nelson's character must try to acquit. There's fine support from the likes of Darren McGavin, Dan Monahan, David Alan Grier, Nancy Marchand and undoubtedly lovable Elizabeth Perkins (whose beautiful smile simply lights up a room).

A novel crowd-pleaser that's always thinking on its feet.

Enjoyable but you may get whiplash from the midway shift in tone

[jjnxn-1 · 9/10 · 8 December 2014]

Engaging comedy/drama with a courtroom background. Has a sharp shift in tone between the first half and the second which makes sense in the course of the story but it is a quite a detour for the viewer to adjust to.

Judd Nelson has a certain charm but is not the most charismatic leading man but he is surrounded by quality performers who contribute excellent performances.

Elizabeth Perkins is fetching as Nelson's fiancée. Nancy Marchand the wry head of Stormy Weathers law firm providing a calm center when she's on screen. Darren McGavin and Alan Arbus each have a chance to sprinkle some funny bits to their scenes and Edward Winter has a high old time in a small role as a hot tempered bank president. But there are two actors who really stand out. First is Ray Walston as the judge in the initial trial whose flummoxed reactions are priceless and particularly John Hurt, exquisite as a seemingly benign college professor whose facade masks the fact that he's a homicidal maniac stealing every one of his scenes.

Not a great movie but a good one with a lively pace, just be prepared for that sudden change in the feeling of the film.

80's Hilarious Courtroom Spoof from "LA Law" Writer

[enviro · 9/10 · 2 January 1999]

There is no possible way to make a bad movie with Judd Nelson, Elizabeth Perkins, and David Alan Grier in starring roles. This film was written by David E. Kelley, the head writer from LA Law.

The film spoofs the legal profession, and courtroom drama specifically. The film should be watched by all law students and firm associates. Ignore those who label the humor as sophomoric. The film has a great story and is extremely funny.

Funniest and Cleverist Courtroom Drama

[RichT3 · 10/10 · 30 November 2001]

This is Bob Clark's cleverist and best film as a writer/director. The casting is superb (especially Judd Nelson and John Hurt), the story is incredibly clever in it's construction (I defy anyone to figure out the ending prior to the final scene !), the humour is very-well inter-woven into a very inticate, and challenging drama. The film really does expose the moral/ethical dilemas faced by a defence attourney, when faced with defending a particularly difficult and vicious murder case. I won't disclose too many details as it would ruin the film, but if you enjoy a thought-provoking yet very funny and hugely entertaining court-room drama..... then WATCH THIS FILM IMMEDIATELY !!!!!!!!!

John Hurt makes this movie...

[scorpianram · 8/10 · 30 May 2003]

I still see Judd Nelson in high-school on detention. It wasnt made long after BREAKFAST CLUB, but this movie is pretty good. The first half is a comedy, but the second half is a very serious murder trial with a great performance from John Hurt. I can't help but think that Anthony Hopkins watched this movie and got his HANNIBAL characteristics from Hurt's sophisticated performance here....

I give this movie an 8 just for Hurt's performance alone. The rest of the movie would garner a 6+ for its 'low budget' supporting cast. Though, Nelson is charming...

Humor Abounds in this comedic melodrama

[radioman-7 · 8/10 · 27 December 2004]

Hurt shows himself as the force that brought this film it's best area of presentation. Especially when describing how one would work upon a 'posiable' victim. 'The Stormy Weathers' part is very amusing with his two side kicks, and his love interest is very predictable. The plot seemed to forgo the usual nonsensical areas and showed why 'lawyers' should also not only eat their own, but could use a taste of honesty in their pursuits. I found this film to be very entertaining. It has an unusual method in the plot twists that most melodramas have. This film makes a presentation of values that should matter, but seldom do in real life situations.

A courtroom comedy dram that's totally hip

[videorama-759-859391 · 8/10 · 10 June 2014]

From the Hip was a film I loved the first time I saw it. I'd choose it over My Cousin Vinny any day. Judd Nelson made the film, with his energetic and captivating, non Razzie performance as an unruly and unethical public defendant, who we just love, cause he, well... shoots from The Hip. In reality it would so great to have lawyers like him, but there is no one in the world, quite like Robin Stormy Weathers. After setting up his own case, with the help of a friend, playing his warring opposition, he wins it, where he's then thrown his first big one, a defense involving a professor (Hurt) who's been accused of killing a woman in a much brutal manner, where he says he's been set up, where at the end, Judd does what no defendant should do, or should he? Featuring a very vibrator scene, and a few Porky's stars (I forgot to mention this is a Bob Clark movie) From The Hip is such an engaging comedy, where Clark really impressed me with this. He's brought to the screen a really colorful courtroom drama comedy, with an truly explosive finale, where Nelson's really rides Hurt, into an all out confession. If you loved My Cousin Vinny, you'll definite love this one, the magic in Nelson's lovable performance. An underrated movie, that warrants must see viewing.

From The Hip very hip

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 8 August 2020]

It'a always been a source of fascination how a plot or a subject can be done equally well as drama or comedy. A lot of the same plot elements in Al Pacino's And Justice For All are found in From The Hip.

Like Al Pacino, Judd Nelson is a young attorney looking to make a name for himself. He's a most junior associate at a Boston white shoe law firm and wants desperateky to be noticed. He takes on a dog of a case involving banker Edward Winter and with some dazzling courtroom theatricality, wins

Winter's case was one where he punched out someone and the man sued because of the bank's deep pockets. It was a civil matter. But Nelson's flamboyance gets him noticed. Now he gets to defend Professor John Hurt who is accused of the murder of a call girl with a claw hammer.

The DA has a flimsy case, but Hurt gives us lots of hints of guilt. He's one scary dude and Nelson realizes this is no game.

This is one well cast film and Judd Nelson getting a courtroom drama which is an actors dream shows his acting chops. He's got a nicepossr of support in girlfriend Elizabeth Perkins and lawyer associates Dan Monahan and David Alan Grier.

A nice trio of partners Nancy Marchand, Darren McGavin and Allan Arbus all react differently to Nelson. The one youill remember in From The Hip is John Hurt.

Nelson faces a most uncertain fate hen the film concludes. You'll have to see foryourself and predict his future.

This movie was so funny

[SweetTooth4MnMs · 26 March 2003]

"From The Hip" is a hilarious movie. It kept me laughing the whole time. Judd Nelson was great as the irreverent lawyer Robin "Stormy" Weathers. He had some great lines and almost every scene he was in was funny. I loved the scenes with the "toy" in the defendant's bag and the caged rabbit and the hammer scene. Robin's girlfriend JoAnn (played by Elizabeth Perkins) was sweet and funny. She was likeable. William Hurt's character was creepy. He was good, but creepy. His scenes in this movie were the only non-humorous scenes. Robin was a good lawyer but very mischeivous. I loved the beginning scene where Robin was trying to wake JoAnn up and he ran his fingernails across the chalkboard and then poured the ice cold water on her. Man did she jump out of that bed!! Judd Nelson was great in this movie (as always) and I think his performance was one of the best in "From The Hip". Well, I don't have much more to say about this film except I loved it and I'm so glad I own it now. Thanks for reading my review! Bye!