Have you ever stumbled across a movie that feels like a forgotten gem from the 90s? Just Cause is precisely that kind of film. Directed by Arne Glimcher, this 1995 Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller promises a roller-coaster ride of emotions and twists. When I decided to revisit it for this movie review, I couldn't help but feel both nostalgic and intrigued. With a powerhouse cast featuring Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne, and Ed Harris, you'd expect nothing less than pure cinematic dynamite.
The plot, if you ask me, unfolds layers of mystery and drama, unlike many others from its time. Sean Connery plays a Harvard professor coaxed back into the courtroom after a 25-year hiatus to defend a young black man condemned to death for a child’s murder. This film taps into profound themes of justice and prejudice wrapped up in an engaging mystery. Doesn't that sound like a tantalizing headache for both the mind and soul?
Let's talk about the elements that bring Just Cause to life. Sean Connery's portrayal of Paul Armstrong is magnetic. If you’re familiar with Connery’s filmography, you know you're in for a performance dripping with charisma. Not to be overshadowed, Laurence Fishburne delivers a performance that proves why he has been a staple of Hollywood drama. His scenes with Connery are tense and tight—just what you'd expect from a film critique on strong acting. The cinematography captures the raw backdrop of Florida’s swampy wilderness, adding layers of moodiness that underlines the narrative's tension. Props to John Katzenbach, Jeb Stuart, and Peter Stone for a screenplay that moves with a determined pace, though not without its bumps.
If this movie feels like déjà vu, it’s because it stands toe-to-toe with other 90s thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs and Primal Fear. It's like a tennis match between them—if you squint just right, you can see the parallels in how they handle suspense and dramatic courtroom revelations. But where Just Cause slightly loses its edge is in pacing; frankly, it feels like an over-ambitious pasta recipe that needed a little less salt.
If you enjoy a decent mix of mystery and drama, Just Cause deserves a spot on your watchlist. It might not top the list of the best Thriller movies ever made, but it has the right ingredients for a memorable night in. And, if you're as big a Sean Connery fan as I am, this is a must-watch film for you! Don’t just take my word for it—screen this hidden treasure for yourself.