Joshua Tree Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dolph Lundgren escapes prison, kidnaps a cop, and drives really fast to prove he’s not a bad guy, all while George Segal does a terrible Groucho Marx impression.

🍿 Joshua Tree: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup

Wellman Santee (Dolph Lundgren), a former race car driver, now transports exotic stolen cars. A deal goes wrong, resulting in a shootout where his partner, Eddie, and a highway patrolman are killed. Santee is framed for the officer’s murder by corrupt cops Lt. Severence (George Segal) and Rudy Rudisill (Beau Starr).

Prison Break and Hostage

Santee is imprisoned, but narrowly escapes an assassination attempt, prompting him to break out. He steals a car and unknowingly kidnaps Rita Marek (Kristian Alfonso), a deputy sheriff. A massive manhunt is launched, led by the obsessive Lt. Severence. Santee is determined to clear his name and exact revenge.

High-Speed Chase and Confrontation

Santee leads Severance and his men on a high-speed chase through the desert and into Los Angeles. He navigates treacherous terrain while trying to expose the corrupt cops. He makes several stops to seek help from old acquaintances and gather evidence to prove his innocence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wellman Anthony Santee (Dolph Lundgren): A framed former race car driver turned trucker, seeking revenge on the corrupt cops who set him up while evading the law.
• Lt. Franklin L. Severence (George Segal): The corrupt and obsessive lieutenant who framed Santee and leads the manhunt against him.
• Rita Marek (Kristian Alfonso): An off-duty deputy sheriff kidnapped by Santee who becomes sympathetic to his plight and aids him.
• Sheriff Cepeda (Geoffrey Lewis): The local sheriff who assists in the manhunt for Santee, eventually uncovering the corruption of Severence.
• Jack ‘Rudy’ Rudisill (Beau Starr): A corrupt detective working alongside Severence, complicit in the framing of Santee.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack ‘Rudy’ Rudisill: “This is turning into a major clusterfuck!” – Expressing frustration with the escalating chaos of the situation.
• Lt. Franklin L. Severence: “Do you EVER stop bitching?” – Said to Rudy, highlighting their antagonistic relationship amidst the unfolding events.
• Wellman Anthony Santee: “I never said I was running for Pope.” – Responds to Rita pointing out the harm he’s caused, showing his lack of concern.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,345
• Worldwide Gross: $29,345

💥 Joshua Tree Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and thinking Dolph Lundgren was the coolest. The car chase scenes were amazing, especially the Ferrari vs. Lamborghini! The whole “framed man on the run” trope is classic, and even though the acting is a bit cheesy, it’s pure 90’s action goodness. I will always have a soft spot for this movie, it reminds me of simpler times when I could just enjoy explosions without thinking too hard!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 90s action movies”
  • “Dolph Lundgren fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy car chases and shootouts”
  • “Those looking for a simple action flick”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Action Movie Fanatic: “Joshua Tree delivers exactly what you’d expect: Dolph Lundgren, fast cars, and lots of explosions. It’s not high art, but the action sequences are well-executed, and Segal hams it up as the corrupt cop.
• Indie Film Reviewer: “While the desert landscapes are visually appealing, the plot of Joshua Tree is thin and predictable. Lundgren does what he does best, but the script lacks depth, and the pacing feels uneven.

Audience Reactions

The intense warehouse shootout was epic!: Viewers generally loved the over-the-top action and car chases.

I thought the chemistry between Dolph and Kristian was great!: Many fans appreciated the unlikely partnership between Santee and Rita.

Overall Consensus: Joshua Tree is a quintessential 90s action film. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it delivers on high-octane action, making it a guilty pleasure for genre fans.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Vic Armstrong, known for his extensive stunt work and second unit direction on major films, made his directorial debut with ‘Joshua Tree’.”
• “The film features a red Ferrari F40 and a black Lamborghini Countach. However, due to budget constraints, these were actually kit cars built on Pontiac Fiero chassis.”
• “The original title, ‘Joshua Tree,’ was changed to ‘Army of One’ in some markets to avoid confusion with the U2 album of the same name.”

🖥️ How to Watch Joshua Tree?

As of now, “Joshua Tree” (also known as “Army of One”) is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Check rental and purchase options on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) may also be available through online retailers like Amazon. Check local listings for potential TV airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Joshua Tree, you might like these similar films:

• Vanishing Point (1971): Features a high-speed chase across the desert with a man on the run, sharing the same themes of freedom and rebellion.
• The Getaway (1972): A crime film involving a getaway, double-crosses, and a couple on the run, similar to the core plot elements of ‘Joshua Tree’.
• Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991): Another action film starring Dolph Lundgren, showcasing his action prowess and tough persona.
• Maximum Conviction (2012): An action film starring Stone Cold Steve Austin, a similar plot about a wrongfully convicted ex-special forces operative who must protect a woman who holds vital information from corrupt authorities.

🛒 Joshua Tree Related Products

• Dolph Lundgren 5-Movie Action Pack [DVD]: This action pack features five of Dolph Lundgren’s best action films, offering hours of adrenaline-pumping entertainment. A must-have for Lundgren fans and action movie enthusiasts.
• Hot Wheels Ferrari F40 – Red: A scale model of the iconic Ferrari F40 featured in the film’s car chase scene. A perfect addition to any car enthusiast’s collection and a tangible reminder of the movie’s exhilarating action.
• Framed Movie Poster: Joshua Tree (Army of One): High-quality print featuring the movie’s iconic poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a touch of action movie nostalgia to any space.
• Men of War [Blu-ray]: Dolph Lundgren at his best in another hard-hitting action film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Joshua Tree features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Desert Chase” – performed by Joel Goldsmith
• “Framed” – performed by Joel Goldsmith
• “The Getaway” – performed by Joel Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

LazerHawk – King of The Streets (Music Video)

Ever wondered what “Joshua Tree” would look like set to a synthwave beat? This fan-made music video is surprisingly awesome and gives the movie a completely different vibe!

✨ Rate