utgard14 Young judge Michael Douglas is frustrated with having to let scumbag criminals go on legal technicalities. Soon he's approached by his friend Hal Holbrook about joining a group of judges that meet in secret and decide to dole out vigilante justice to criminals who the legal system failed to prosecute.Mature, thought-provoking thriller with an excellent first half but man does it fall apart in the end. The basic problem is that the entire first half of the movie is spent building up to Douglas joining this group. So a lot of time is spent on making us emotionally invested in WHY this group is necessary so we're on board with Douglas. But then, almost immediately after joining, the movie pulls the rug out from under itself and Douglas regrets his decision. Then we get a pedestrian climax involving a chase and shootout in a warehouse. All of that passion shown towards caring about the victims in the first half is tossed out in favor of the movie suddenly caring more about some dirtbag drug dealers who are clearly guilty of a lot of terrible crimes but maybe not this particular one they're to be executed for. Sorry but emotionally it's a tough sell.The cast is terrific, with wonderful character actors in roles big and small throughout. The writing in the first half is also really good. But boy, the way it falls apart and so abruptly is such a downer. I'm still giving it a decent score of 7 because when it's good, it's great, but be forewarned that it's a movie that chickens out on its own premise.

vincentlynch-moonoi Although I had seen Michael Douglas in "The China Syndrome", I think it was this film -- "The Star Chamber" -- where I really first took note of him. And this may be the film that set the stage for the type of movie he often appeared in later in his career.However, I remember REALLY liking this film back in 1983...but not liking it quite so much now in 2016. My main criticism is that the "bad guys" in the film seemed way too stereotypical, although it kinda worked back in the late-70's to early 80's. Now it seems very dated.The premise here was excellent. A group of judges get fed up with thugs getting off on technicalities, so they form their own justice league to deal with such scum...on a permanent basis. Of course, it wasn't hard to figure out that either they were going to get caught OR "convict" an innocent person OR both.Michael Douglas is excellent here...he sort of plays a "common man" (though not quite so common as Jimmy Stewart used to) who gets caught up in a surreal experience. One of my favorite supporting actors -- Hal Holbrook -- is here as another judge, but somehow this particular performance didn't satisfy me as much as most of his performances. Yaphet Kotto -- one of those supporting actors who was very popular for a while -- is here as a police detective, and does a rather nice job. Sharon Gless plays Douglas' wife...nothing to rave about, but she does "okay". Joe Regalbuto and Don Calfa play the two primary bad guys here, but I would have to say they were both guilty,,,of overacting.A good '70-ish (even though it was in the '80s) suspense film, but nothing to brag about. It won't end up on my DVD shelf.

LeonLouisRicci Derivative Story has Director Peter Hyams giving it a Glossy, Droll Look. Michael Douglas in an Early "Star" Role is a Disgruntled, Dissatisfied Judge suffering Depression and Frustration with the Law and its Loopholes.Designed to Provoke Thought and Discussion, the Film is a bit Dull during the Opening Act exploiting Cliché after Cliché and Scenes that are Long and Talky for the Dumbed Down among Us, driving the Point of the Movie again and again.Compelling at times as things open up a bit. The Second Act is a Creepy "Secret Society" set up and the Third Act is Full Blown Action Film Stuff. Containing some Great and Spooky Character Actors and Hal Holbrook in a Typical Role is another "That's all I can stand..." judge who states..."At least I tried to do something." Yaphet Kotto is a Cop and is underused.The Movie Tries to do something but only Half Succeeds. Overall, Not a Bad Movie but leaves a lot to be desired and is Surprisingly Flat considering the Powerful Subject Matter. Worth a Watch.

steve-1919 10 out of 10 rating is truly earned. This film remains a very memorable experience for me. My subjective opinion puts it at the top.Most people have never heard of this movie, but everyone finds it intense and entertaining. It may cause you to think a little.The theme is not a hot topic today--criminals set free because of loopholes in the law. But on another level, there is current relevance. The system exists for a reason, even if it is not perfect.Our current political leadership is ignoring the constitution. Proclamations are now law--like with dictatorships.The Star Chamber is a group of judges acting outside of the law. They want to clean up after the system fails and allows obviously guilty criminals to walk free. They review a case in private, inspect evidence, and then vote on a verdict. If found guilty, a hit man is ready to carry out sentence.Young Judge Hardin is drawn in after letting 2 child killers walk free on a technicality. He joins the Star Chamber and asks for judgment on the child killer case. Things do not work out the way Hardin had expected.Acting and photography are striking in this film. Veteran actors give great performances in rich, film noir settings. How do you go wrong with Douglas, Holbrook and Kotto? Action scenes are filled with tension and excitement. The opening footrace takes the viewer along through neighborhood living rooms and back yards. A car chase puts the viewer behind the wheel. The style is realistic, increasing the tension.The final action scene finds Hardin in an out of control situation, both physically and in the plot. The viewer slides along with Hardin, spinning down an industrial chute to the final showdown.We find out how the judges in the Star Chamber, even with their good intentions, are a very dangerous group.Watch the Star Chamber and you will be ready to offer a recommendation to your friends. Someone will say that they need help finding something to watch, and you will recommend this movie and look like a genius.