A Few Good Men (1992)
You can’t handle the truth!
Presentation:
One of the most iconic lines in cinema, it’s no surprise it was written by master screen playwright Aaron Sorkin. Tom Cruise is a charismatic force of nature opposite Jack Nicholson, completely gluing you to the screen. Cruise’s acting is heavy handed and over the top for this legal drama, but I couldn’t care less. I tried fast-forwarding through this film just to grab the screenshots as quickly as possible, but I couldn’t stop myself from rewatching it again. There’s someone magnetic about Cruise’s films, like in Jerry McGuire, where you just stop what you’re doing and watch. It also helps that there are unrelenting closeups drawing you into every one of his dialogues. I think he’s one of the last true movie stars and he’s absolutely fantastic regardless of any ridiculous, yet stylish varsity jacket.
Conclusion:
Being a Rob Reiner film, there are safe, formulaic Hollywood flairs that make this a popcorn legal drama. It’s not the smartest courtroom movie, but it might be the most iconic. Reiner understands simplicity and despite Cruise basically flailing around in the courtroom, it’s fun. I really tried being as critical as possible rewatching this, but I just couldn’t stop myself from enjoying this Hollywood drama. You may not learn anything about the legal system or how lawyers actually conduct their job, but it’s guilty pleasure entertainment from start to finish.
Recommendations
You can’t handle the truth!