An Innocent Man
An Innocent Man

Movie spotlight

An Innocent Man

1989
Movie
113 min
English

Jimmie Rainwood was minding his own business when two corrupt police officers (getting an address wrong) burst into his house, expecting to find a major drug dealer. Rainwood is shot, and the officers frame him as a drug dealer. Rainwood is convicted of drug dealing, based on the perjured evidence of a police informant. Thrown into a seedy jail, fighting to prove his innocence is diffucult when he has to deal with the realities of prison life, where everyone claims they were framed.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes20%
Google Users62%
Director: Peter YatesGenres: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A successful, wealthy airline pilot is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in a brutal penitentiary. He must navigate the harsh realities of prison life, forming uneasy alliances and confronting corruption, all while maintaining his innocence and hoping for eventual release. The film explores themes of justice, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of the penal system.

Critical Reception

An Innocent Man received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some praised Tom Selleck's performance and the film's intentions, many found the plot predictable and the portrayal of prison life overly simplistic or clichéd. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with the film failing to make a significant impact at the box office.

What Reviewers Say

  • Tom Selleck delivers a committed performance but is let down by a predictable and formulaic script.

  • The film's depiction of prison life is often unrealistic and relies on tired tropes.

  • Despite its serious subject matter, the movie lacks genuine dramatic tension and emotional depth.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception. Many found the film watchable due to Tom Selleck's presence and a generally engaging premise, but criticisms often focused on the lack of originality and a somewhat unbelievable storyline. Some viewers appreciated the themes of injustice, while others felt it was a missed opportunity for a more compelling drama.

Fun Fact

Tom Selleck initially turned down the role of J.C. 'Square' Harte, but was persuaded by director Peter Yates and his own desire to tackle a more dramatic, challenging part.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
kevin2019

kevin2019

"An Innocent Man" draws on every person's secret fear: what would you do if there was a gross miscarriage of justice and you suddenly find yourself being imprisoned? This film does a competent and realistic job of essaying an innocent man's...

John Chard

John Chard

That's Virgil Cane man, Lone Ranger ain't got nothing on him. James Rainwood (Tom Selleck) is a real stand up guy, with a loving wife and in a dream job with a company that just couldn't cope without him. His life is just dandy, That is...