Just Cause Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A professor proves a man innocent of murder only to realize the guy’s actually guilty, so they have a swamp fight.

🍿 Just Cause: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Presented

Paul Armstrong, a Harvard law professor and staunch opponent of the death penalty, is approached by Evangeline, the grandmother of Bobby Earl, a young black man on death row in Florida. Bobby Earl was convicted of the rape and murder of an 11-year-old white girl, Joanie Shriver, eight years prior. Evangeline pleads with Armstrong to take Bobby’s case, claiming he was coerced into confessing by a brutal and racist local police force.

Investigating the Injustice

Intrigued and swayed by the apparent injustice, Armstrong travels to Florida with his wife, Laurie, and daughter, Katie. He begins investigating the case, facing resistance and hostility from Sheriff Tanny Brown and the local authorities, who believe Bobby Earl is guilty. Armstrong uncovers evidence suggesting Bobby Earl’s confession was indeed coerced and that the investigation was flawed.

A Twist in the Tale

As Armstrong digs deeper, he learns about Blair Sullivan, a white supremacist serial killer also on death row. Sullivan claims to have information about Joanie Shriver’s murder, pointing Armstrong to a hidden piece of evidence. Based on this new evidence, Bobby Earl’s conviction is overturned, and he is released from prison.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Armstrong (Sean Connery): A Harvard law professor and anti-death penalty advocate who is drawn back into the courtroom to defend a death row inmate.
• Sheriff Tanny Brown (Laurence Fishburne): The hardened sheriff who is skeptical of Armstrong’s involvement and fiercely protective of his jurisdiction.
• Bobby Earl (Blair Underwood): The young black man on death row, initially appearing innocent, who draws Armstrong into a complex and dangerous situation.
• Blair Sullivan (Ed Harris): A manipulative and psychopathic serial killer on death row who provides clues that lead to shocking revelations.
• Laurie Prentiss Armstrong (Kate Capshaw): Paul’s wife, a former Assistant District Attorney, who encourages him to take the case and becomes entangled in the danger.
• Evangeline (Ruby Dee): Bobby Earl’s grandmother who implores Paul Armstrong to take on her grandson’s case, believing in his innocence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Paul Armstrong: “If that’s a confession then my ass is a banjo!” – Said sarcastically, questioning the validity of a coerced confession.
• Blair Sullivan: “I’m going to hurt you, Mr. Armstrong. I’m going to hurt you where you live.” – A chilling threat from the incarcerated serial killer to Paul.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,853,222
• Worldwide Gross: $36,853,222

💥 Just Cause Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this back in the 90s and being completely thrown by the twist. Connery is his usual awesome self, and Ed Harris is genuinely creepy. I liked how the movie started as a legal drama and turned into a full-blown thriller in the swamp. That final chase scene was intense! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I’d recommend it for a suspenseful movie night!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with plot twists”
  • “Those who appreciate films starring Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual assault references”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of racial prejudice”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Solid thriller with good twists and turns in which nothing is what it seems but it’s all made with little style. Still the movie is saved by the cast.
• IMDb: “Although it borrows heavily from better and better-known films, Just Cause is quite entertaining. It also shows some interesting character development with Sean Connery. Laurence Fishburne and Ed Harris seem to enjoy their performances. But the plot, is really contrived, and Kate Capshaw is so annoyingly bad.
• IMDb: “I’ve seen my fair share of badly thought-out endings and final twists to films, but I don’t recall any film that committed outright suicide like this one did.

Audience Reactions

The ending is unexpected.: Connery and Fishburne performances and unexpected plot turns

Overall Consensus: A solid thriller carried by its cast with a memorable twist but some found the ending contrived.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sean Connery turned down the role of King Edward I in Braveheart (1995) to star in this movie.”
• “The filming locations included Gainesville, Florida, capturing the atmosphere of the Florida Everglades.”
• “The plot contains unexpected twists and turns that challenge the audience’s perception of justice.”

🖥️ How to Watch Just Cause?

Just Cause is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, and Apple TV, where it can be rented or purchased. Check local listings for television airings. To support the filmmakers, consider purchasing a digital copy through platforms like Amazon or Vudu. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Just Cause, you might like these similar films:

• A Time to Kill (1996): Explores themes of racial injustice and the complexities of the legal system in the South.
• Cape Fear (1991): Features a released convict seeking revenge, creating intense suspense and endangering a family.
• The Firm (1993): A lawyer uncovers corruption and faces moral dilemmas, blending legal drama with thriller elements.

🛒 Just Cause Related Products

• Sean Connery 007 Collection Blu-ray: Collection of Sean Connery 007 collection films.
• Ed Harris Movie Collection DVD: Collection of Ed Harris movies.
• Laurence Fishburne Movie Collection DVD: Collection of Laurence Fishburne movies.
• Florida Everglades Alligator Adventure Tour: Experience the real Everglades with airboat tours.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “No solo a ti” – performed by Beto and the Fairlanes

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

They have to drag and carry him to the chair

This scene from ‘Just Cause’ is INTENSE! Watch as they physically force the guy to the chair – it really shows the desperation and brutality of the situation. You HAVE to see this to get a feel for the movie’s tone!

✨ Rate