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A Few Good Men (Special Edition) Customer Reviews (37 - 39 of 46 Reviews)

You want the truth, you can¿t handle the truth¿
This courtroom drama by Rob Reiner probably doesn't look that impressive on paper. Two Marines accidently kill one of their colleagues during a "Code Red" disciplinary measure, and are placed up for murder. Rookie Navy lawyer is assigned to case and comes of age in a courtroom. It doesn't sound too thrilling, but this film - based on an Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) play - is mesmerising. This is mostly due to a good ensemble cast consisting of Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollack, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland and Jack Nicholson. There are no star performances in this film, everyone pulls together for the story.

The setting up of the climax sees Tom & co. travelling to Cuba and gathering information on the case, which sets up the scintillating courtroom climax. The interplay between Cruise and Nicholson is electric, particularly at the films climax. Cruise is the slick rookie lawyer who has never been inside a courtroom before and whose father was a famous Navy lawyer who it seems everyone knows. Cruise has trouble living up to his fathers reputation. Nicholson on the other hand is an Officer of the Old School who believes he is always right and demands respect from everyone he meets.

This film tells two stories : honour and the place it serves in the military, and moving out of the shadow of a successful father to become your own man.

Extras (for R2) :

"Code Of Conduct" documentary on how the film was put together with contributions from all the stars bar Nicholson.
"From Stage To Screen" documentary on the transition from the original stage play to the film by Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin.
Commentary by Rob Reiner.

Great In Every Regard
This is probably the best movie I have ever seen. A Few Good Men is about two soldiers who are accused of killing another, a weaker soldier who was slacking off and disobeying many unwritten rules to get off of his base. The defense team, which consists mainly of Daniel Kaffee and JoAnne Galloway, must overcome the evidence against their clients and overcome their own doubts in order to save the lives of the men. Cruise is Kaffee, a lazy Navy lawyer who must rise to the occasion to defend the soldiers. Demi Moore is Galloway, a feisty, hardworking attorney who despises Kaffee at first, yet they eventually establish a good working relationship. Jack Nicholson, of course, gives a memorable performance as Colonel Nathan Jessup, who has precious few lines, yet he is unforgettable. Kevin Bacon is Captain Jack Ross, the government prosecuting attorney, and he does his usual excellent job. Kiefer Sutherland is Lt. Kendrick, a devoutly religious officer and Jessup's subordinate. Kevin Pollak plays Cruise's friend and the third member of the defense team. It doesn't have the ending you would expect, and it solid throughout.

A Few Good Stars
A tour de force military courtroom drama by director Rob Reiner with a superb ensemble cast headed by Tom Cruise. Along with that there's the ultimate cameo by Jack Nicholson and his now classic "You can't handle the truth!" line that's been repeated in parodies and comedies from SEINFELD to SNL. Again Tom Cruise gives another Oscar worthy performance about a Navy Officer Lawyer defending two Marines accused of killing a fellow recruit because of his shortcomings unworthy of being a Marine. Then, the 'truth' behind who gave them the orders to carry out the murder. The star studded ensemble includes Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon,Cuba Gooden,Jr.,Kiefer Sutherland, the late Jt Walsh, and Kevin Pollack. Good script, direction, and casting. One noteworthy aspect is staying with the main plot of the story of the lawyers investigation and research of the military murder case. The movie stays clear and avoids a love story between Cruise's and Moore's characters. Instead, they focus on their professional relationship which could have been a calcuable risk for the filmakers if some viewers were expecting more than a courtroom drama. Overall, a certified classic and one of Tom Cruise's signature films. Excellent!!

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