Review of The Firm (1993) by Brett H — 25 Nov 2014

A tense, legal thriller, that pits an up-and-coming lawyer against his peers when he discovers the prestigious law firm he just joined has a shady past he may not be able to escape. Tom Cruise is in top-form, playing an eager, go-getter who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his career instantly begins to implode.

The cat-and-mouse game that ensues as Cruise tries to outwit everyone around him is very well-written and you find yourself biting your nails hoping he can get out of his predicament scott-free. The supporting cast is a who's-who of character actors and many (including Gary Busey) leave their mark in limited roles, while Gene Hackman steals the show.

The only character miscast is Cruise's wife, who is described as being drop-dead gorgeous and clear-minded, but is portrayed as an unassuming and weak woman who's only use is to argue; until she steps up in the end to help him.

The film is a tad too long at two and a half hours, but I was anxious to see how it would all end and I tip my hat to the brilliance of the resolution.