Review of Rules of Engagement (2000) by Tony P — 21 Aug 2009

Although bogus by William Friedkin standards, Rules of Engagement is enthralling. The directing is powerful at times, like during the siege of the US Embassy in Yemen. But on the homeland, the filmmaking becomes rather embarassing as blocking becomes unmotivated and dialogue trite.

However, once the plot meanders its way into the courtroom, Tommy Lee Jones and Guy Pierce completely take over. With lengthy bouts on the stand boiling into a palpable suspense, it's one of my favorite trials on film, and Friedkin shines.

All the actors turn in good work and so it's a worthy film for fans of military drama.