WATCH ALONG: 12 Angry Men

Louise Brooks

I realize I missed the outrage - at first I was surprised it wasn't the black and white version with Fonda, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the cast in the updated version and enjoyed the performances. As usual....I'm out of the loop.

Hylaea

Yeah, same. Though I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised that there was a remake in the end.

Tyler Foster

I don't think you need to apologize, and I sure hope nobody is trying to kick you out of the community. I certainly understand feeling bad that your choice might have created bad vibes that came back on Ashleigh, but the whole point of the top tier Patreon level is for people to choose what they want her to see, with no restrictions. That said, I do think it's probably unnecessary to try and predict what will go better for her as a millennial than just to pick a great film. When I thought this was the version you were passionate about, that was one thing, but I think watching older black-and-white films and things like that are a constructive part of expanding someone's horizons.

T.J. Gengler

I’d like to apologize to Ashleigh’s Patreon community for my choice of this film. With full knowledge of the controversial nature of this choice, I made the judgement call that the modern remake might be slightly more accessible to a Millennial viewer with no experience with the original version. Clearly that call was in error. I unintentionally sparked significant outrage and created a toxic environment in what should be a welcoming place. I can only hope that you accept this choice on my part as a product of ignorance and not malice. I have communicated with Ashleigh on this matter and have committed to proceeding in a more thoughtful manner. It is my hope that we can move past this and that I can continue to be a part of this community. Sincerely, TJ

Robert Gruhn

It’s a made for tv remake. Never in theaters.

Joseph Stevenson

The 1997 version is pretty much a straight remake of the 1950s version, which was a powerful drama. Henry Fonda played the Jack Lemon role (the initial holdout for acquital) and Lee J. Cobb Was the diehard with the ungraeful Son issues. One aspect of the newer movie that changed was that it recoqnized societal change: In the original that Angry Men were all white guys. Of course, in the new one there were black guys and Hispanic guys. But it is strange that they were still all males. Even in the 1950s it was rdcognized that women were regularly members of juries. I think in the 1950s in some places, depending on the judge it might have been easier for woman to get excused by asserting that they were needed to take care of the kids at home. In general, I think that defense attorneys wanted some women on the jury ina death penalty case because they were reputedly more apt to spare the defendant's life. Unless the capital crime was against a child.

Rebecca Anne

I had no idea they remade this in '97. At first I thought you just had a dyslexic moment with the movie year, but then I became more confused when I saw the mgm lion in color. I feel like I need to watch this version too.

Michael Johnson

Wow just seen YouTube comments and its crazy on there.

T.J. Gengler

@Jay - Yes. Right from the start, I explained the difference between the versions and why I saw this as an interesting albeit controversial choice.

Jay Finlayson

I have issues with this pick from a personal preference standpoint, but putting that aside, you admit that you knew this was going to be a controversial pick; did you let her know that? Everybody on Patreon might know that you claim responsibility for this, but you’ve really opened her up to a world of abuse on YouTube.

primatador

I didn't know they remade this either. Some big names in it--Jack Lemmon, George C Scott, Ossie Davis, Edward James Olmos, Hume Cronyn Courtney B Vance. How did I miss this?

Lynnetta

I agree. Well spoken. 👍

Aaron Collett

A remake? Of an unbelievably great movie...I would never have watched this except for Ashleigh...The original was so much better..in so many ways. Why suggest remakes? How about suggest great original movies?

Snow Goon

Wow, I didn't even know there WAS a '97 version. I've only ever seen the Fonda version (which I love), but this one held up very well. I'm glad to have seen this along with Ashleigh.

Mark Sylvester

I agree with everything you said here Tony and I second it!!

Kristofer Foster

I like both versions too, but they can both be a bit dry viewing, something you kind of might have to be in the mood for it. I give the edge to the original, but that's only because I'm a huge Henry Fonda fan. Honestly, I'm happy with anything anyone suggests on here because for me the fun is getting to feel like I'm watching a film with Ashleigh and her humor, insight and reflection. The movie is just gravy. ;)

You don’t need to own anything, it was a movie Ashleigh could react to and I enjoyed her reaction. I am getting so tired of people here being negative about another’s movie suggestion. I personally don’t care what the movie is, I am just here for Ashleigh’s reaction. As far as I’m concerned, every movie suggestion is a good suggestion. That said, I did enjoy this version.

Tony Williams

I like your thinking on this T.J., not saying I 100% agree with it, but I do understand it for sure. You guys are in a pretty tough spot because the odds that you're gonna pick a movie that everyone agrees with are stacked against you from the get go. Hang in there and don't let the detractors get ya down brother. Cool choice of a movie for Ashliegh regardless of which version.

Michael Johnson

I was excited when I saw the title. Then not excited when I saw the year lol.

Lynnetta

I think you might be right that this was the better choice for Ashleigh. I would have loved her to watch the original, but after watching her reaction, I think she would have had the same reaction with either version. I want her to fall in love with old movies, and since she didn't love this one, I wouldn't want her to think that the reason she didn't love it was because it was 'old.'

Thomas Yanez

I'll watch it again (have no memory of it beyond remembering that I did watch it when it came out for "what the fuck were they thinking" reasons) but that was a quarter of a century ago, so an older me might be able to appreciate it better. And, the idea here isn't the movie selected, it is to be here for Ashleigh's reaction.

T.J. Gengler

Yep, I picked it. I'll own it. Anything great about this reaction is Ashleigh's and anything that sucks bilge water is on me. So be it. I knew this was a controversial pick right from the start given the reverence Lumet's original receives. For a millennial unfamiliar with that great film, I believe the remake is the better choice. I'll stack this cast against the original any day of the week and the small differences in dialogue only update the story without detracting from it. Many thanks Ashleigh.