Felon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy hits a burglar, goes to jail, makes friends with Val Kilmer, and then punches his way out of corruption, proving that even crime can be a family reunion.

🍿 Felon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The American Dream Shattered

Wade Porter is living the American dream with his girlfriend Laura and their son Michael. They have a nice house, a growing business, and plans to get married. This idyllic life shatters when Wade kills a burglar in self-defense on his property. He is subsequently arrested and charged, leading to a plea deal and a prison sentence.

Inside the Corrupt Penal System

During transport, Wade is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and sent to a maximum-security prison. There, he encounters the corrupt Lieutenant Jackson, who runs the prison with brutality and engages in illegal activities. Wade must navigate this violent and unjust system to survive and maintain hope of returning to his family. The film showcases the harsh realities of prison life, gang violence, and abuse of power.

Friendship and Survival

In prison, Wade finds an unlikely ally in John Smith, a lifer who offers him guidance and protection. John, hardened by his own experiences, helps Wade understand the prison’s brutal rules. Their bond becomes a crucial element in Wade’s survival as he faces constant threats from both inmates and corrupt guards. John’s wisdom helps Wade maintain his humanity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff): A family man whose life is upended when he’s imprisoned for unintentionally killing a burglar and must adapt to the harsh realities of prison life.
• John Smith (Val Kilmer): A seasoned, philosophical lifer serving time for avenging his family, who mentors Wade and helps him navigate the prison system.
• Laura Porter (Marisol Nichols): Wade’s girlfriend who struggles to maintain their family and support him while he is incarcerated.
• Lt. Jackson (Harold Perrineau): The corrupt and sadistic lieutenant who runs the maximum security wing and makes Wade’s prison experience a living hell.
• Danny Sampson (Chris Browning): The leader of the Aryan Brotherhood who uses his influence to make life difficult for Wade.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Smith: “When your life is defined by a single action, it changes the concept of time.” – John shares this with Wade, reflecting on how a single event can alter one’s perception of their existence.
• John Smith: “I would destroy the world if I could to get my family back.” – A brutally honest sentiment showing the depth of his grief and justifying his extreme actions.
• Lt. Jackson: “You’re in my world now.” – Said by Lt. Jackson to Wade, establishing his dominance and the harsh reality of prison life under his control.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.9M
• Domestic Gross: $2.83M
• Worldwide Gross: $3.2M

💥 Felon Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Felon’ and feeling completely sucked into Wade’s nightmare. The scene where he’s first processed into prison gave me chills, it felt so real and dehumanizing. The way the film portrays the brutality of the prison system is shocking, and Val Kilmer’s performance is top-notch. It’s not just another prison movie; it’s about how one bad decision can change your life forever and force you to confront your morality in the face of survival. Seeing him fight to maintain his humanity in that environment was gripping. Definitely a movie that stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of prison dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on the penal system”
  • “Those who appreciate gritty and intense films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Male nudity”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “While ‘Felon’ deals with familiar territory, it navigates it with a gritty realism that grips you from the start. Dorff delivers a powerful performance, capturing the descent of an ordinary man into a brutal system. It’s a compelling, if bleak, look at the consequences of one fateful night.
• N/A: “Felon is a movie about a man who is working hard to create a life for himself and his family, he has worked hard to establish his own business and feels as though he is finally ready to start reaping the fruits of his labour. Then, life brings a unexpected twist and he finds himself in prison
• N/A: “Felon is a simple, familiar story of a man who is betrayed by the rule of law and finds himself alone in the microcosm of the prison system. The set up is simple but effective and the film is devoid of the usual forced theatrics of prison movies.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers praised the raw and authentic portrayal of prison life, noting its departure from typical Hollywood tropes.: The performances, particularly by Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer, were frequently cited as standout elements, bringing depth to a compelling story.

Overall Consensus: ‘Felon’ is generally well-regarded as a gritty and impactful prison drama, elevated by strong performances and a focus on the human cost of incarceration, despite some predictable plot elements.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed at the New Mexico State Penitentiary, which adds to the realism and gritty feel of the film.”
• “Director Ric Roman Waugh also wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from events that allegedly occurred at Corcoran State Prison.”
• “To prepare for his role, Stephen Dorff reportedly spent time observing inmates and correctional officers to better understand prison life.”

🖥️ How to Watch Felon?

Felon is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these platforms for rental or purchase options. You may also find it available on other streaming services that offer movie rentals.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Felon, you might like these similar films:

• Shot Caller (2017): Also directed by Ric Roman Waugh, it explores similar themes of prison survival and transformation.
• American History X (1998): Features a character’s brutal prison experience and transformation, with themes of violence, race and redemption.
• An Innocent Man (1989): Features a man wrongly convicted and his struggle to survive inside the prison system
• Prison Break (2005-2017): The storyline has a very similar theme, showing the reality of life inside a prison.

🛒 Felon Related Products

• Shot Caller [Blu-ray]: From the director of Felon, this film offers a spiritual successor and a more nuanced exploration of prison transformation. It’s a raw and unflinching look at survival within the penal system.
• Custom ‘Felon’ Inspired Baseball Bat Display: Showcase a ‘Felon’ inspired Baseball Bat (sold separately). Great for fans who want to honor the film
• Prison Life: An Interactive Game: Experience the challenges and dilemmas faced by inmates in a high-security prison. Make tough decisions and navigate the complex social dynamics of prison life.
• The Innocent Man by John Grisham: Non-fiction account of a man wrongly accused of murder in a small town. Perfect for fans who liked the injustice elements of Felon.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “End Of The Line” – performed by The Allman Brothers Band
• “Long way from home” – performed by Tom Waits
• “One” – performed by Johnny Cash

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

#movie #shorts #felon

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in prison? This short clip from the movie ‘Felon’ gives you a glimpse into the harsh realities of life behind bars. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking video that will stay with you long after you watch it.

How do you make it on your own #Felon #shorts #movie

What would you do if you were thrown into prison for a crime you didn’t commit? This short clip from the movie ‘Felon’ shows the main character struggling to survive in the harsh environment of prison. It’s a powerful and emotional video that will stay with you long after you watch it.

#movie #shorts #felon. Who’s the coward

Who’s the real coward? This short clip from the movie ‘Felon’ shows a tense confrontation between two characters. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking video that will stay with you long after you watch it.

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