Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Generally intriguing character study, set in Los Angeles, in which an eccentric civil rights lawyer (Denzel Washington) finds his ideals put to the test when the critical illness of his senior partner leads to the dissolution of their firm, and he is offered a much-needed job by a successful acquaintance (Colin Farrell) he considers a sellout. Though the dialogue in writer-director Dan Gilroy’s drama — which also features Carmen Ejogo as a social activist — sometimes lapses into political rhetoric, the moral shadings of the two main characters keep the proceedings from becoming dull. Possibly acceptable for older teens.