This watchable "wrong man" drama is probably the highlight of Tom Selleck's less than impressive movie career. Okay, so prison movies are ten-a-penny these days but this one is well made and has some unpleasant moments to stop it becoming just another television-made movie-of-the-week. Tom Selleck is a likable, lightweight lead who you actually care about and his various obstacles in prison - while admittedly clichéd - are quite frightening. From the bullying racists to the rapes in the showers and the wise old inmates (an excellent turn from F. Murray Abraham), everything is present and correct here. One moment has Selleck taking on a chief opponent as he plans to knife him in the toilets and is totally gripping.
Outside of prison, things are less interesting, with a worthy but unmemorable actress playing Selleck's girlfriend who sticks by him through thick and thin. The introduction of two corrupt cops, a kind of 'bad' Starsky and Hutch if you will, sets the sense for an implausible climax which sees Selleck suddenly become a fearless action man and do lots of stunts. Cool, but hardly believable. Overall, AN INNOCENT MAN is a fine thriller with a good central premise and an adequate execution - and it makes a nice evening's family entertainment.
Outside of prison, things are less interesting, with a worthy but unmemorable actress playing Selleck's girlfriend who sticks by him through thick and thin. The introduction of two corrupt cops, a kind of 'bad' Starsky and Hutch if you will, sets the sense for an implausible climax which sees Selleck suddenly become a fearless action man and do lots of stunts. Cool, but hardly believable. Overall, AN INNOCENT MAN is a fine thriller with a good central premise and an adequate execution - and it makes a nice evening's family entertainment.