It’s a really good film that's worth seeing, despite having some poorly developed characters and a protagonist who doesn’t quite work. I’m generally fond of courtroom dramas—it’s a genre I enjoy and usually find successful. Films set in military environments also tend to appeal to me. Combining those two elements made this movie seem ideal for my tastes. And, honestly, I did like it. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film centers on a team of lawyers defending two US Marine Corps soldiers accused of killing another soldier following a barracks prank—an informal punishment. The Marines claim they were unaware of the deceased’s health condition and received discreet verbal orders to carry out the action with the knowledge of the unit commander based in Guantánamo. However, there's no supporting evidence; it looks like a hopeless case where the defendants will have to negotiate a plea bargain to avoid conviction and a lengthy prison sentence. The film is excellent overall and I highly recommend it. It’s entertaining and time flies by without us even noticing. The direction is straightforward and effective, the editing is solid, and technically it features beautiful colors, well-designed sets and costumes, and a convincing sense of realism—the story doesn't feel exaggerated or forced. However, the film suffers from a significant problem: Tom Cruise. I don’t know him personally, but his public persona suggests someone deeply arrogant and somewhat rude. While that might not be how he truly is, it seems to influence the roles he accepts, which often portray boastful, self-important characters with little regard for others. This film exemplifies that issue; his character is needlessly irritating and adopts behavior completely inappropriate for a military officer, possibly warranting disciplinary action. The portrayal feels unrealistic and difficult to accept, ultimately detracting from the movie’s quality. Demi Moore isn't one of my favorite actresses either, but she’s more agreeable than Cruise in this film. She does her best with the material given to her, though her biggest flaw is the character's own weakness—a significant problem for a superior officer, regardless of gender. This officer lacks the firmness and authority expected of someone in command; she’s publicly disrespected by a junior soldier, fails to immediately address it, and later seems to blame herself. What kind of leader is that? The romantic scenes between her and Cruise should also have been cut; they're simply embarrassing. Thankfully, Jack Nicholson provides a counterbalance, playing the Marine commander in Guantánamo. He delivers the film’s strongest and most compelling performance, as he always does—he’s one of the great actors of the 20th century, capable of excelling even with unlikeable characters. And this character is certainly unlikeable: an arrogant officer who seems to forget that leadership requires respect for subordinates and concern for their health and safety. The mission is vital, discipline is essential, but compassion shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when commanding troops in a combat zone.

Source on TMDB