Being stuck at home during the quarantine means that my family and I are watching A LOT of movies. We’re not normally big on watching much television, but when there is nothing else to do, the television has become our source of entertainment.
When it comes to picking out movies, I tend to go for horror movies and documentaries. I also like comedies. I do like drama movies, but it depends on the subject.
Released today on Blu-ray, DVD (it’s been available on digital) is the dram Just Mercy, which is based on true life events.
Just Mercy stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Time Blake Nelson and Rafe Spall.
Jordan stars as Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard Law graduate. After graduation, he travels to Alabama in hopes of helping out people who cannot afford legal representation.
Stevenson meets up with a woman named Eva Ansley (Larson). The two of them create the Equal Justice Initiative, which is a program that helps out prisoners who may have been wrongly convicted.
Stevenson visits with death row inmates. There he meets a prisoner name Walter McMillian (“Johnny D”). McMillian was convicted of the murder of murdering a white woman named Ronda Morrison in 1986. McMillian is adamant that he did not commit the crime.
Looking over his case and the evidence, Stevenson realizes that the testimony of a convicted felon (Ralph Myers) is the reason why McMillian was convicted. Stevenson feels like Myers only said what he said to get a lighter sentence for his own trial.
Stevenson takes on McMillian’s case, and tries to get his case against him dismissed, but that is going to be easier said than done. There is a lot going against him and it will be an uphill battle to convince everyone that McMillian is an innocent man.
Will Stevenson be able to win the battle to save an innocent man’s life, or will the law, and others, work against him? To find out you need to pick up or rent Just Mercy. Look for it where ever movies are sold/rented.
OK… I have to admit that this is not the type of film I would normally watch. That being said, I found the movie very interesting, most especially knowing that it’s based on real life events.
Jordan was an excellent choice for the role of Stevenson. He has an intensity about him and you can read his emotions on his face. He is very convincing in his role.
I can’t get over Foxx. It didn’t seem like him for some reason. I mean, I know it is, and I’ve seen him in other serious roles, but this role takes him to a whole other level. I’m very impressed with how intently he portrayed the role of McMillian.
This film tugged at my heart strings too. It shows the poor living conditions of some of the people in Alabama. Sadly, I’m sure parts of the state is still like that even 30+ years later. I think it’s wonderful that there are such organizations that help people who cannot afford legal representation.
My husband thought the movie was really good. I can tell when he’s really into a movie when he doesn’t look down at his phone at all, or take out his laptop. His eyes were glued to the television the entire time.
It’s hard to believe that situations like McMillian being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit happens too many times in our court system.
For a story based on true life events, I’m surprised that I don’t recall ever hearing about this in the news.
If you are into dramas, court-related movies/shows and movies based on true life events, then you’ll certainly want to check out Just Mercy.
Below is the film’s theatrical trailer for your enjoyment. The film is no longer in theaters (not that theaters are open anyway).
You can check out the film on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Did you see Just Mercy? If so, what did you think of the film? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.