A FEW GOOD MEN 🤩

Disclaimer:

This reviewer’s sad reflections… I decided a few weeks ago to write the following review for my weekly classics. Obviously, I had no idea of what was to occur on December 14, 2025, tragically. I am heartbroken by the loss of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. I have always been a massive fan of his work and activism. He wasn’t afraid to speak up or show up. Not many possess that type of courage and insight. The world lost one of the few good men left. 

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We live in scary times. I have been alive for over three-quarters of a century, and I have witnessed several horrific decades. I didn’t think we would be battling so many moral and ethical dilemmas over and over again. Our planet feels upside down with countries at war or others posturing their power-driven drive to control humanity’s very existence. It is overwhelming to listen to the news or have honest conversations and calm debates. There are secrets and shadowy truths that lurk in every corner. Do we really want the truth? Can we handle the truth?

I have heard interviews with historians who say there have been worse moments around the world than what is going on now, and we are still here. It seems impossible to comprehend how that is possible. Those in power are greedy with their own self-worth. There is not much respect for others’ rights. I believe that being enlightened and strong means you should never forget that an honorable man stands up for those who can’t help or defend themselves. This is an act of bravery and courage. This is not what is happening today. I am continually reminded there are only A FEW GOOD MEN left.  I am not a pessimist, but I desperately need to hear and read about the good of our society. I want people to take a stand and make positive, good choices about the rule of law. The ideals of a democracy must shine brightly, or the consequences would be too horrible to imagine. I am drawn to films that promote this theme. I need to feel in my soul that A FEW GOOD MEN still exist, even if it is only for two hours while watching Rob Reiner’s (THE PRINCESS BRIDE, THIS IS SPINAL TAP) ethical tale created over thirty years ago in 1992. 

A FEW GOOD MEN was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor, Jack Nicholson (CHINATOWN, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, THE SHINING). It went home empty-handed, but that doesn’t diminish its gross profit of over $240 million. It began its journey as a Broadway play boasting close to 500 performances. Both the original play and the screenplay were written by Aaron Sorkin (THE WEST WING, THE STUDIO). Sorkin wrote Broadway’s first act on cocktail napkins while bartending. It was also his first screenplay, and it was based on a true story his sister shared with him. 

Tom Cruise (TOP GUN, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) was truly amazing in his role of Defense Attorney,  Lt. Kaffee. He accepted the part after he flew to New York and saw the play. He spent many hours after rehearsals ended, making sure he could deliver the legal monologues and dialogues with complete authority. He loved to ad-lib a bit as well. His Jack Nicholson impression was totally improvised, which created extremely genuine reactions from his colleagues. It made the final cut. Cruise had a reputation for being overprepared, working out every detail in his mind, and being collaborative with Reiner. It was perfect casting, capturing the handsome Navy lawyer who discovers his strength and self-respect from his peers. It was outstanding. 

Nicholson was only in four scenes and was filmed in ten days. He earned $5 million for his portrayal of Col. Jessep. Nicholson is a consummate actor. Each moment he was on screen was a lesson in brilliant acting. Audiences are mesmerized by his outlandish, piercing stares. I am only in awe at every role he has created. Watching Cruise and Nicholson verbally battle in the courtroom is forever etched in cinema history. The timing and pacing are breathtaking. “Are we clear?” Oh yes, indeed.  

Demi Moore (THE SUBSTANCE) played Lt. Com. Gates. It was fantastic to see a strong woman portrayed, and not once did she apologize for it. Moore was inspiring to watch. Tough facial expressions dominated her character, yet she knew exactly when to ease up and soften her delivery. Cruise and Moore were dynamite together, and it was such a breath of fresh air that they remained just partners without going down that romance pitfall. The story was enough. Not every relationship winds up in bed. Kudos. 

The entire ensemble was genius casting, featuring Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Pollack, J.T. Walsh, Christopher Guest, Noah Wyle, and Cuba Gooding Jr. All of these actors projected the mindset of the Navy’s strengths and weaknesses. It was intentional, motivational, and necessary.  It is not easy to share the flaws of any revered institution. Bravo. 

A FEW GOOD MEN opened the conversation about when service members should follow orders unthinkingly from their superiors. Where is that line drawn? Are we allowed to question authority when it goes against “unit, corps, God, country”? A “Code Red” should never have been instigated to obtain the required discipline to defend our country. Yet, it was real, and it happened. It is still a problem today. It makes me wonder what might have happened in WWII if German soldiers had not followed what Hitler and all the commanding officers ordered them to do? The film should not be taken lightly. It is as fresh and timely as when it was created decades ago. It gets to the crux of the matter quickly and succinctly. It is a timeless issue. This is what keeps me up at night.

A FEW GOOD MEN is a dramatic, courtroom classic that stands upon phenomenal acting, directing, and authenticity. It will grip audiences’ hearts and not let go until the final salute. I had tears in my eyes at the end. If only we had more than A FEW GOOD MEN. 

A FEW GOOD MEN is streaming on TCM.