Just Cause, released on Feb. 17, 1995, boasts a powerhouse cast, including Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne, promising a gripping legal thriller. While the film delivers moments of suspense and explores interesting themes of justice and corruption, it ultimately falls short due to a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters.
Connery stars as Paul Armstrong, a Harvard law professor and death penalty opponent reluctantly drawn into the case of Bobby Earl Ferguson (Blair Underwood), a man convicted of murder.
Fishburne delivers a strong performance as Detective Tanny Brown, whose initial investigation led to Ferguson’s conviction. The clash between these two strong-willed characters, each convinced of their own righteousness, forms the core of the film’s narrative.
The film effectively establishes a sense of mystery and intrigue, raising questions about Ferguson’s guilt or innocence. As Armstrong delves deeper into the case, he uncovers potential police misconduct and hidden agendas, leading him to question the integrity of the justice system. The courtroom scenes are tense and engaging, showcasing Connery’s commanding presence and legal expertise.
However, Just Cause suffers from a predictable plot that relies on well-worn thriller tropes. The twists and turns are often telegraphed, diminishing the impact of the revelations. The characters, while competently acted, lack depth and complexity. Their motivations are often unclear, and their relationships feel underdeveloped.
Kate Capshaw and Scarlett Johansson have relatively small roles, and their characters are given little to do. Ed Harris adds a menacing presence, but his character also feels somewhat one-dimensional.
Ruby Dee, Chris Sarandon, Daniel J. Travanti, Ned Beatty, Hope Lange, Kevin McCarthy and George Plimpton round out the cast.
The film’s exploration of racial bias within the justice system is timely and relevant, but it’s not explored with enough nuance. The themes are touched upon but never fully developed, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Laurence Fishburne and Sean Connery in Just Cause (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Just Cause
Just Cause grossed $10.6 million in its opening weekend, finishing in second place behind The Brady Bunch Movie ($14.8 million).
The film would gross $63 million worldwide in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars in his review, saying it’s “the kind of movie where you look at the screen and start imagining the push-pins holding the 3-by-5 cards to the cork board in a Hollywood office, as the filmmakers try to keep the plot straight.”
Legacy
Despite its flaws, Just Cause is a watchable thriller. The performances are solid, the pacing is brisk, and the film raises thought-provoking questions about justice and the legal system. However, its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a film that could have been much more, given the talent involved, but ultimately settles for being a competent, if unremarkable, thriller.
