Michelle Monaghan Gives An Award Worthy Performance In “Saint Judy”

“Saint Judy” (Blue Fox Entertainment)

Michelle Monaghan has been on the brink of stardom for years. All she has needed to be recognized as a powerhouse actress capable of carrying a movie on her name alone has been the right role. In “Saint Judy” she has found it. This film which is based on a true story allows Monaghan to shine. Do not miss it or this amazing performance. If “Erin Brockavich” could snag Julia Roberts an Academy Award for her role as a crusader then “Saint Judy” can do the same for Monaghan as her sister in arms.

Judy Wood (Monaghan) is in immigration attorney. At the start of the film you see her moving to California so her son can be closer in proximity to her ex-husband (Peter Krause). She has long been in the battle for immigrants but she hasn’t been making any money. Her position with a firm headed up by Ray Hernandez (Alfred Molina) offers her a chance of steady employment and a steady paycheck.

Then she meets Asefa (Leem Lumany). an immigrant being held by ICE while her case is pending for asylum.There is an immediate bonding between Judy and her client and she throws herself headlong into the case even though she knows from the start it is an uphill battle. The law is the law and she and her client have to obey it, but also use it.

The story told in this film is timely and powerful, and it is peopled with characters who make an impression in only a few scenes. Monaghan and Lumany are the stars but they get tremendous support from Molina, Krause, Common, Alfrie Woodard, Ben Schnetzer, Mykelti Williamson and Kevin Chapman.

You know a movie is good when you don’t want it to end, and “Saint Judy” is much too brief at 106 minutes. Still director Sean Hanish appears to be of the school of thought that says always leave them wanting more. And when the movie ended I wanted more, more, more.

“Saint Judy” is a movie that draws you to its characters and challenges your mind and your emotions with their precarious situations. It deals with the professional life of Judy Wood and the personal one and shows how in some instances you can’t have it all. But you can always try.

Leem Lumany is a super talented young woman. She stands toe to toe with Monaghan in every scene they share. But this is Monaghan’s moment. I earnestly hope when the award season rolls around months from now that this performance is remembered. It is the one she has been awaiting and she pours every bit of her talent into it.

I scored “Saint Judy” a deified 8 out of 10.

Jackie K Cooper

www.jackiekcooper.com