A Few Good Men

Plot: Tom Cruise is assigned to represent two Marines held on charges of murder, conduct unbecoming an officer, and other such things that would be included in a charge of murder. Kevin Pollack is assigned to assist him, and Demi Moore fights for her right to represent the two men as well. They attempt to prove that the officers in question were ordered to give Sanitago, the dead Marine, a "code red" (an act of discipline through humiliation), and that his death was an accident. Cruise, Pollack, and Moore go up against Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, and Kiefer Sutherland.

Yes, this movie has been largely parodied. Honestly, though, in this case, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I hold this opinion because I know that Aaron Sorkin rocks. He is one of the best screenwriters out there, and I don't think anyone could convince me otherwise. He creates characters that are realistic, smart, and funny in a taut, intricate drama.

Two) this film is a star-studded extravaganza! Did I mention that Noah Wyle and Xander Berkley are in it, too?

As for Rob Reiner's direction, I know he has had accolades heaped upon him for many a film, but he just doesn't do it for me this time. Think about it, it's a movie about a murder and a conspiracy. Sounds gritty, right? Not with his cinematography! It's too . . . pretty. Everything is picture perfect. It's the kind of direction that worked well for other films of his like When Harry met Sally . . . and The American President. When it comes to romantic comedies, you want sunsets and flowers and vistas. But a murder drama? There's this scene were the camera does a close-up on Cruise, pushes past him to Moore, then to Pollack. And it's all so very, very nice. That's just not right in this case.

Regardless, Aaron Sorkin's script is worth the rental fee. Anything he writes is worth the rental fee.