A Few Good Men

Synopsis

Two Marines are charged with the murder of their squad mate after conducting a hazing ritual called "Code Red." This triggers a young JAG lawyer to be assigned the case in an attempt to make the case go away.

Review

This is such a good movie. There are few movies that really get the feeling and cult like dedication the Marine Corps instills in you like this movie does. While the two young Marines are a little over the top at times, I do know that I was like that at one point and maybe in the 90s that was everywhere.

Honestly, this might be one of Tom Cruises best movies when he was younger, but this is for sure Jack Nicholson's best performance in my opinion. There is a reason that monologue is so well known and repeated. These two both give stunning performances in the courtroom that don't feel too off the mark from my history with some selfish officers and lawyers.

The biggest problem with this movie is the attempt at cloak and dagger, counterintelligence, and the character bases. It really didn't need to be there and could have just been the character providing evidence. Honestly, his character is a little weak. All the characters are the "best" at something and really don't ever grow. There is also the impossibility that a lawyer one year out of law school would have been given such a case, even if they did want it to go away.

My Rating

I enjoyed this movie a lot. It made me miss the Marines and in general, continued the idea that being a lawyer could be an interesting job. While there are some inaccuracies in the movie, it isn't so bad that it is distracting or a misrepresentation. I think that it is an 8, because there are quite a few scenes that could be removed and nothing is lost.

Parental Rating

There is a lot of language. Some of it just for filler, some of it straight up misogynistic, and other times used for emphasis. There is a scene of suicide and some blood early on, but for the most part the language is where the hang-up will be. I know that my dad likes this movie, but would prefer to watch it on TBS/TNT rather than for real because of the heavy-handedness of Nicholson, especially his continual use of "God Damn." I am honestly not sure how my mom would feel about this movie. I know based on the rules she is out, and I think that is a safe bet as to how she would feel about this movie, but it is on the cusp of her watching it with my dad.

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