Review of The Firm (1993) by Guido S — 08 Aug 2013

The Firm is an edge of your seat thriller, a film that has a very intellectual storyline and one that will make questions arise and no doubt builds up to a suspenseful climax. Tom Cruise is spectacular as straight out of law school lawyer Mitch McDeere, an eager, intelligent, and very by the book professional lawyer. After being hired by "The Firm" he begins noticing some mysterious circumstances that have arisen around former colleagues. It is once McDeere is contacted by the FBI and they inform him of their connection with the Chicago Mafia and they're attempt to persuade him to be a government witness the ball gets rolling.

The story is very suspenseful, once we learn of the firm's true nature the film goes into a paranoid style thriller. The house is bugged, setups are planned and his every move nearly watched. It is exhausting watching the film because of the stress you feel as well as the anxiety you share with McDeere as he learns his whole life is being played by the firm.

The supporting cast is great with Gene Hackman as Avery one of the firm's lawyers and Ed Harris as the sketchy FBI agent trying to flip McDeere. The film is excellently paced and very well acted, with great dialouge and character development. Especially during the film's climax when McDeere puts together a plan to divert both the Mafia and the FBI, as well as a great on foot chase that shows Tom Cruise in one of his finest acting moments. In conclusion, The Firm is an excellent thriller, while at times may feel a bit dated its a great watch and a solid thrill ride.

Also the appearances by Paul Sorvino and Joe Viterelli as the Chicago mobsters is great!