SNMR 2.2: "A Few Good Men"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "A Few Good Men" (1992, R, 138 minutes), starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollack, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland and J.T. Walsh. The film was directed by Rob Reiner.

This is one of my all time favorite movies. I've watched it more times than I can possibly remember. I know that the first time I saw it was long after it came out in the video store.

From the DVD's dust jacket:

Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore star in Rob Reiner's unanimously acclaimed drama about the dangerous difference between following orders and following one's conscience. Cruise stars as a brash Navy lawyer who's teamed with a gung-ho litigator (Moore) in a politically explosive murder case. Charged with defending two Marines accused of killing a fellow soldier, they are confronted with complex issues of loyalty and honor - including its most sacred code and its most formidable warrior (Nicholson). Superbly directed with a trio of powerhouse performances and an outstanding supporting cast including Kevin Pollack, Kiefer Sutherland and Kevin Bacon, A FEW GOOD MEN is "entertainment to be seen and appreciated... consistently gripping" (Desson Howe, Washington Post).

From Martin & Porter's "DVD & Video Guide 2006", p. 381:

Calling this film the best Perry Mason movie ever made may sound like a put-down, but it isn't. Director Rob Reiner keeps the viewer guessing throughout this courtroom based drama, which features Tom Cruise as a wisecracking Navy defense lawyer whose clients have been accused of murder. The acting is first rate.

Why do I love this film so much? Two words: Jack Nicholson. I can think of only two other actors who would have done justice to the role of Col. Jessup, other than Jack. Those actors are Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. The writing throughout is superb and powerful. The casting is brilliant, from the leads down to the supporting cast, highlighted by then up and coming actors Noah Wylie and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Rob Reiner does a masterful directing job with such a studly cast. Rarely will you find a courtroom exchange in a movie like the battle between Cruise and Nicholson towards the end of this film. The drama is taut and emotional. I love the opening sequence under the credits with the marine corps rifle company. The soundtrack for the opening and closing credits is wonderful.

From start to finish this is a great movie. If you don't already own it, I suggest that you go out and buy it for under $10. I'll give this movie five out of five stars.