When cocky military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee and his co-counsel, Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway, are assigned to a murder case, they uncover a hazing ritual that could implicate high-ranking officials such as shady Col. Nathan Jessep.
17 Jun A Few Good Men (1992)
Rosencrantz and Guidenstern
I’m writing this in 2025 more than 30 years after seeing it, and probably 25 since writing the first IMDB comment, alas now deleted because of some complaint to IMDB.
Watching it now, the whole context has changed. I know quite a few unbalanced military guys but cannot conceive anyone like any of the men and women on screen here. These are cartoons drawn up in an LA writer’s studio, and goosed for dramatic effect.
I am surprised at how stagey the acting is, how wooden Cruise’s readings are. How practiced the Nicholson snarls, as if he practiced in a mirror. How tepid Demi’s emotions. The two grunts on trial were terrific.
We dragged this out for a young fellow as an illustrative courtroom drama. I think Perry Mason — even that — would have been more realistic.
What is it bout the era that makes me think this? It isn’t the unrealistic military folks — we’ve always had that in different dimensions. I think it has something to do with shifting genres; the tokens we willingly accepted three decades ago don’t fit now, and we see these actors doing a job that does not connect.
I’m giving this a two, only because it once seemed significant.
I really don’t like David Koepp. His patterns for success rankle me. But I have to say that the two junior marines on trial are some of the finest characters I know. If you just focus on them as tragic characters, the main thread, this because deep. Everything else is selfish needs that conspire to ruin their lives. The actors are amazing, much better and frankly more natural than the surrounding people.
Posted in 2025
Ted’s Evaluation — 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
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