I was OBSESSED with this movie when I was a kid! My dad was a Navy officer, so I used to dress up in his old uniform and pretend to be Demi Moore. Ten bucks says I can still quote all her lines with 85+% accuracy 👩✈️👩⚖️
Nobody ever includes Rob Reiner on any list of best directors, but he's quietly responsible for so many legendary films -- Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, This is Spinal Tap, Misery
Agreed. When these movies were releasing back in real time, my best friend and fellow cinema nut actually had Reiner up there in the same level of esteem and importance as Scorsese, Spielberg, De Palma, Leone, Woody Allen. He was must-see first show matinee opening day, no question. He had an unbroken run I would put up against anybody's peak stretch and he's in the conversation. His first film is Spinal Tap. That's his first. He basically not only created an instant classic, but invented the mockumentary genre. His follow up is a forgotten to time, but not to us and was like cinematic opium to my bestie and I in high school which was The Sure Thing starring a very young John Cusack and Daphne Z from Spaceballs as the young opposites attract potential soulmates of the film we follow their first year away at college. It is a perfect coming of age movie. The attention to detail is so on the money and miraculous. Every little character, even one's with one line are memorable and quotable. It also is very 80's, has an amazing go for broke comic relief performance from Goose himself Anthony Edwards as Cusack's best friend whose not quite the man of substance Cusack's budding romantic is and is still two years away from Top Gun. This film was not promoted and didn't do well at the box office, but did recoup on the new thriving home video market. But, make no mistake, this is a stone cold classic. I love this more than Say Anything ... and Cameron Crowe is God. Trust me. Reiner at this point is a solid two for two. Immediately, he follows this up with the poignant Stephen King adaption Stand By Me which puts River Phoenix, Will Weadon, Corey Feldman and Jerry O Connell on the map. This is a masterpiece. Kiefer Sutherland is insanely spooky as the unhinged antagonist and Richard Dryfass is the greatest actor of his generation as grown up Will Weadon. Bam. Three for three. Reiner streak out the gate is three universally loved films and all classics. His fourth: a little film called The Princess Bride. Ba-Bam. Instant beloved classic. Four! Four for four, baby. How does he follow up this almost unparalleled win streak? By following in the footsteps of Kubrick and sliding into the horror genre by adapting another King story, but this time not side stepping the horror, but going all in. His fifth film is Misery. Instantly iconic. His first unabashed box office breakthrough smash and directs Kathy Bates to a best actress win. Five for five and Misery marks Reiner owning the back half of the 80's and entering the 90's undeterred without missing a beat. Next movie: A Few Good Men. This also marks the first screenplay by Arron Sorkan. Long story short: Six for six. Not just six hits. Six classics. And the least known one is my personal favorite along with my childhood chum The Sure Thing. This is where the steak ends. And like some supernatural curse, it doesn't just end, it crashes and burns hard. Almost like now the law of averages was he had to make horrible films to bring balance to the Force. His next movie was the infamous train wreck legendary on the list of all time worse motion pictures ever made North. The shipwreck would never right itself. It's like overnight he lost his talent. However, he still put out a legendary run of his first six movies all being all time classics and recognized as such. Do yourselves a favor: see The Sure Thing as fast as you can. The movie that dares to ask the immortal question: who invented liquid soap ... and WHY??
When Shanelle first mentioned "unobtrusive filmmaking" on another video, I thought of him. He doesn't have standout "signatures" like slowmo or lens flare. What stands out is that the movie is just GOOD. You get sucked in, and nothing gets in the way of your immersion. You finish and just go, "Holy crap that was a MOVIE."
Love watching people discover this movie for the first time. Your "This is the YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH movie???," made me laugh out loud. Great reaction.
It is nice to see the classics, especially the black and whites, getting their appreciation. It is one of the disappointing things about the reaction folks.
This was originally a play Sorkin wrote. In the top corner of the stage would be an actual Marine standing still at attention throughout the entire play and at the end he would turn around and salute.
A "Code Red" in the Navy was called a "Blanket Party". Tom Cruise has played being in the Navy in 3 Movies (This one, "Top Gun" and "Top Gun: Maverick"). In Both Roles he plays a Member of the Navy but doesn't like Water! I love how they show the "Sibling Rivalry" between the Branches... Totally Realistic!
Now that you mention it, I just realized Cruise played a lot of characters who were military... Taps (Air Force Cadet), Born On The Fourth of July (Marine), The Last Samurai (Cavalry), Valkyrie (German Army), Jack Reacher (Army) , Edge of Tomorrow (whatever that was)
Fun fact....Lance Corporal Dawson was played by Rob Reiner's assistant. Also, according to Aaron Sorkin he was inspired by his sister who was a JAG lawyer and assigned to defend a marine accused of murdering another marine. Reportedly, it was her observation that the powers that be seemed to be going out of their way to give the case to an inexperienced lawyer
One of my favorite courtroom dramas of all time, the script is tight, the actors are all giving their A game, and the antagonist pretty much seals his own fate by arrogance alone WHICH IS SUCH A SATOSFYING RESOLUTION and actually kind of funny when you think about how many real people beleive their "untouchable" because of their positions or privelege. Jessup got what he deserved, and Jack Nicholson played this character so well. I remember Kevin Pollack talking about what it was like on set with Nicholson, and between takes he'd be laughing and happy and Pollack asked him "You could probably be doing anything else, why do our little courtroom drama movie?" He just grinned that signature grin of his, leaned over to me and said "I love acting, man! I just love it!"
Wow, I'm shocked that the trivia section didn't mention the thing that is most famous about it: the shooting of Jack Nicholson's part, and specifically the courtroom scene. You can look up at least two hilarious interviews with Kevin Pollock talking about as well Kevin Bacon, Noah Wyle, Kiefer Sutherland and Rob Reiner. Noah Wyle talks about the read through, which is hilarious. Kevin Pollock has two interviews on Rich Eisen, both telling different stories. Highly recommend checking those out, they're hilarious.
I was 19 in 1992, and saw the film twice in theaters. When it went to home video, I re-watched Jack's big speech so many times that I inadvertently memorized the entire thing. I can still recite it today, it's like muscle memory. Sometimes I try reciting it at high-speed, but I can't get through the whole thing without taking a breath. The Oscar nominees for "Adapted Screenplay" that year: Three came from novels, one from a short story and one was a remake of an Italian film. Since then, Sorkin has been nominated for four screenplays, and won for "The Social Network". Director Rob Reiner was on quite a run here; he made "Stand By Me", "The Princess Bride", "When Harry Met Sally", "Misery" and "A Few Good Men" back to back. Those are all very well-regarded movies! Keifer Sutherland and Kevin Bacon had co-starred in "Flatliners" two years earlier with Julia Roberts. Of course, Tom and Cuba would be "Jerry Maguire" costars a few years after this. You mentioned seeing Aaron Sorkin in a bar scene...which one?
Wolfgang Bodison (Lance CPL. Harold W. Dawson) was working as an assistant to Rob Reiner on Misery and this movie as a Location Manager, and Rob pretty much threw him into the role on a whim because he hadn't been able to find anybody to fit the role. Bodison had no experience acting prior to AFGM. I think it's fair to say that he did a stellar job in this role.
I saw this movie in 93, on a plane. I was 12, so still a bit young to appreciate it. A slightly older cousin enjoyed it so much that she convinced me to give another try a year later, and oh boy, I ended up loving it, but had no idea who Sorkin was. Cut to a few years later when I become obsessed with Sports Night and then The West Wing, and find out those shows were from the guy who wrote A Few Good Men. I was in full Sorkin mania in the early 2000s.
I saw this in the theater and walked out afterwards saying "wow, what a great movie!" Was shocked at the lack of Oscar wins. Another really good court room drama from same era is a lesser known film "Class Action" with Gene Hackman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Riveting court scenes.
Ah, so no wins then? I can never remember Oscar wins that much. I saw in the trivia section there were 4 nominations but now that you say that I'm shocked too. Class Action! Oh man, hadn't heard about that one in a long time!
Along w/ Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs & David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, this film made 1992 a great year for dialogue on the big screen. Two other movies w/ courtroom aspects that year were My Cousin Vinny & Scent of a Woman.
40:18 add The American President (1995) to your watch list. It’s also Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin and the blueprint for what would become The West Wing.
Kevin Pollak has some great stories from working on this film. The interview he did with Rich Eisen had me in stitches. Christian Slater had a small part in this. When asked if he was nervous working with Nicholson, he said he was terrified. But instead of hiding, he showed no fear. Walked straight up to Nicholson on his first day and said "I hear you talk like me." Nicholson would walk onto set in the morning and say with a sigh "Another day, another ten grand." 😎
A REALLY REALLY GOOD courtroom drama is A Time To Kill. I would love to see you react to that if you haven't seen it yet. Excellent drama with influences outside the courtroom
Tom Cruise is basically playing the same character here as in Top Gun. A cocky and reckless naval officer who is extremely talented but has to live up to the massive expectations of his father.
@@battleaxe8252 I’ve been meaning to watch Born on the Forth of July. Glad to hear it’s among his better more different performances. I can’t believe I forgot to mention Interview with a Vampire above, but you’re right it is a VERY different performance of his. 👍
Shanelle you are always looking good. This is one of my all time favorite movies. Tom Cruise had an outstanding performance in this film. I'll always think of Rob Reiner as 'meathead' from All in the Family. The cast is outstanding... like top grade.
The scene where Markenson is in the back of the car the startled jump by Tom Cruise is real. In the script the car was supposed to stop at a light and Markenson was to hop in. But to get a more real reaction the director tried one with the other actor already in the car. Despite the jumpscare Cruise stayed in character and that was the take they used.
One of my favorite bits in this movie is when Tom Cruise does a Jack Nicholson impression. Christopher Guest looks so different in the various roles he plays. Great reaction, Shan.
This is a nice treat. Shocked you never saw it and shocked you never watched it on your channel yet. But, I for one, will proclaim before it starts, that this is sooooo up your alley. This should be fun. Ok, lets watch, Shanelle 😀
Fun! No matter how many times I see this I still have the same emotional reaction to Dawson’s “we were supposed to protect Willie” then his change of heart from having no respect for Kaffee at the beginning to his honourable “there’s an officer on deck” salute at the end. Acting gold!
Don't forget, the look on Weinberg's face after Dawson has uttered those words. You know how much Weinberg disliked Dawson for being a bully. But on hearing those words from Dawson, Weinberg looks at him like he just had an epiphany - that Dawson is really a good man.
@jmo... Such a horseshit moment. That is one of the worst (of many) parts of the movie. They (Col/1stLt) gave the kid a 'code red' (movie term) because they thought Pvt Santiago was lazy slacker, not that they thought or knew he had a probably un-diagnosed (medical malpractice?) heart condition. Cpl Dawson and LCpl Downey were following orders, not bullying some kid because 'he couldn't run fast' or whatever LT Wienberg says. So, in your mind, when Cpl Dawson was given the order by 1stLt Kendrick to 'code red' Pvt Santiago, he was supposed to refuse that order and 'stand up for Santiago' to his Platoon Leader? A commissioned officer. That just wouldn't happen, nor should it. And how were they to know that the 'doctor' mis-diagnosed his probable heart condition? They couldn't, so they thought he was malingering to get out of unit training and PT. Plus, after Pvt Santiago did the only thing he could in his mind to survive, writing the letter to NCIS, now they'd have extra motivation to 'train' him not to go outside their unit. Again, this isn't bullying. You probably also missed the fact that NOTHING HAPPENED to the 'doctor' who committed malpractice by sending a Marine back to his unit with a probable heart condition. Say this 'code red' never happened and he goes on another full-gear/pack run, collapses, and dies. Now what happens to the 'doctor' when they see in his annual physical notes "shortness of breath, fatigue, etc" See the logic? Why wasn't the 'doctor' put up on a medical board review and had his license suspended, pending investigation, after this incident? Because it's inconvenient to the plot, that's why. The 'doctor' is the only one in this whole chain who escapes COMPLETELY UNTOUCHED but is the most responsible for ALL OF IT.
@@fredgrimley8883 'nor should it' Uhm. I agree with most of what you say (especially about the doctor) but this had me go full breaks, nope. If his Co had told them to chase Santiago around a field until he puked - no problem at all with it. Sneaking into his room and using very non military methods of punishment like a tape over his mouth? Unless they train to be, I don't know, torturers officially and that is in the Code of Conduct somehow (which it is NOT), they had to know that what they were ordered to do - in a secure environment, not under fire - was illegal, no matter who ordered them. The argument of being ordered to torture someone so it's ok has been famously last used by Nazis after WW2 and there the Genevra Convention makes it very clear that a soldier can refuse an order he thinks is morally wrong with the caveat that the soldier has to be able to justify his refusal and has to be ready to bear the consequences. Following an order to torture someone does not make you a good soldier, it makes you a monster.
The Captain who asked Demi Moore to step out of the room at the beginning is played by John M. Jackson, who played the Navy Judge Advocate General on the subsequent TV show "J.A.G."
"Here's Johnny" is from the tonight show when Ed McMahon would introduce Johnny Carson. Nicholson's character from The Shining was named Jack Torrence. Remember when he typed, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy" thousands of times while he was pretending to be writing his novel?
Awesome movie. Rob Reiner is amazing at directing different genre movies. Comedy, drama, fantasy, thriller/horror. And Kevin Pollak is really great in this film (it really is an All-Star cast).
You got teary eyed at the same point I did in the theater when the movie originally came out. That line about "honor" at the end -- the eyes start to tear up.
To a lesser degree this movie was and is the To Kill a Mockingbird of our time. One of the all time notable performances and screenplays. This was Tom Cruise when he had something to prove...before all the Mission Impossibles. This was Jack Nicholson in his second incarnation as one of the Greatest Actors of our time and this was Demi Moore right before her acting career went ballistic. Great performances all around and which show why the 90s is one of the greatest eras in film making. Cant believe its 30 years old.
Not sure if you recognized the Doctor on the stand, but that's none other than "Nigel Tuffnel Lead guitar!" from This is Spinal Tap, and also The Six-Fingered Man from The Princess Bride, played by the ever so talented Christopher Guest.
The tragedy of Rob Reiner is as follows, when he adapts another's work he's considered a great collaborator but not a great creator since he's adapting the best (because the best want to work with him, or they are his friends) , but you only need to look at people like King, Sorkin, and Ephron and their attempts to direct their own work and you can see how desperately in need of a collaborator they really are. It is precisely Rob Reiner's ability to reign in the excesses of a writer like Sorkin that make something like this movie really work, but the myth of the singular genius that surrounds some writers makes it seem like anyone can point a camera at their work and it will just be good. Movies are collaborations for a reason, and a director that knows what to cut is just as good as a director who knows what to add, but the former never get called truly great. (It's probably not fair to include Ephron on this list since she was a very competent director of her own work, but i just can't shake the feeling that When Harry Met Sally is considered the best for a reason... Sorkin's attempts are execrable though, I do stand by that)
Great reaction Shanelle. Apparently the Harold W. Dawson character was cast with a different person in mind but Rob Reiner saw one of crew members and thought he fit the role better so he did a screen test and transferred from the crew to cast.
Something I think you'd find fascinating, as I did: Look up Rob Reiner's, Kevin Bacon's, Kevin Pollack's and Noah Wylie's appearances on The Rich Eisen show. They're each asked to give their perspectives of what it was like being in the courtroom when Jack is giving the "You can't handle the truth" soliloquy. Very eye opening on the kind of professional that Jack Nicholson is. And Pollack's interview is hilarious as well.
When you mentioned you wanted to be on a jury it reminded me of my jury duty service many years ago right after I had just finished my service in the Air Force. It was actually a case that had never been tried before. An oil tanker off the coast of California had run over it's own anchor and many of the beach counties had to close their beaches for weeks for oil clean-up. The counties were suing the shipping company for lost use of the public beaches (which are free to use by the public). The counties conducted around 20 studies to try to determine what people would pay to go to the beach, the outcome ranging from a few dollars up to aproximately $20. The trial was filled with an immense amount of technical data, sea depth charts, etc. and lasted over 3 months! When it came time for deliberations many of the other jurors were not really sure what to do and I suggested that we add up the total of all the surveys and then divide that total by the number of surveys to get an average amount of what people would pay to go to the beach, which was then multiplied by the estimated number of people that would have used those beaches during the time of closures. This amount was submitted to the judge and was approved as a fair and reasonable amount. I really felt like I had made a true impact on helping to decide the outcome of that case. We were not there to determine guilt, that was a separate trial that had already been settled. Well I just wanted to share that with you it really was something I will never forget.
This was the film that proved TC was not just a pretty, action-only name. The triumvirate (TC, Demi and Jack) were so well supported, but definitely it was TC's to lose. One of the best Courtroom dramas of all time. I can't believe it's been a favourite for 30 years! Oh, and you still look good on a "bad hair day".
@@la_beatrice Yep. He's been in a lot of great films. The fact of the matter is that Cruise is an underrated dramatic actor. But he's found his calling with action movies. It seems he loves that stuff more than being a serious dramatic actor. I can't blame him. He's the best.
I get what your saying but, by the this point TC had already put in brilliant proper acting performances in "rain man" and "born on the 4th of july". Any one that thought TC was just a pretty face for action roles in 1992 had been living under a rock. TC was very well respected for his acting in "the colour of money" and "cocktail". Always considered a pretty boy yes. But people knew he could really act.
@@scratchpenny - The way I see it is that TC is arguably *the* "movie star" of his generation - he clearly loves doing stunts and is very much enamoured of the process of movie making as well. Every so often though, he'll take a project that demonstrates he's a very good actor. Of course, if your role involves a couple of scenes in which you go toe-to-toe with Jack Nicholson, you'd better bring your "A" game!
Another top class movie with fantastic performances and dialogue, coincidentally from the same year as "A Few Good Men", is "Glengarry Glen Ross". Based on the play by David Mamet, it has a stellar cast all at the top of their game. And if you are looking for sharp, incisive and rapid dialogue, this is the movie for you.
Great Reaction, thanks. (Rob Lowe played "Kaffee" in the play in London.) Will you watch Coppola's "The Outsiders"? I think you'll find that classic to be a BRILLIANT movie. Waiting for it...
My favorite reactor doing my favorite movie. Happy Sunday to me. "Don't look now Danny, but you're making an argument" is a top line all time for me, and there are about 10 more in this film. Nicholson is in three scenes and steals the whole thing.
I was actually in a production of the play in New York a couple years ago. It was a blast. I played the role of Corporal Howard which became Corporal Barnes (played by Noah Wylie) in the movie.
I saw this back when it came out, great movie. The ending is amazing, love the energy between Cruise and Nicholson. The Firm, is another lawyer type movie that stared Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman. Not as good as this one but still entertaining.
I was scrolling through your list of reactions and couldn't help but notice that The Shawshank Redemption is still conspicuously missing. I think you're ready for it and that you will knock that reaction right out of the park. Please seriously consider doing that one. Your channel fans will love you for that 😀
No military officer would ever have been allowed to get away with his insubordinate behavior…she would have had him on charges from their first meeting.
Nicholson's name was Jack Torrence in the Shining movie. He said "here's Johnny" in reference to the Johnny Carson show when Ed McMahon would introduce him he would say "HERE'SSS Johnnyyyy"
Jack’s name in the shining is, Jack. You probably already know this, but when he says “ here’s Johnny”, he’s just referencing the intro to the old Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson
“Timber, I’m falling in love.” That is the Patty Loveless song playing while Cruise and Moore’s characters are eating in the restaurant. I will forever associate one with the other now.
Aaron Sorkin at his best. Smart and fun reaction. I’m in the legal field and this is one of my favorite courtroom dramas. You are spot on with your observations and comments. Love it ❤
Also, one of the best early court-room films is "The Young Philadelphians". The TV series Perry Mason borrows heavily on the court style of this movie. Paul Newman plays the defense attorney who "cracks" the prosecution case in court. A very fine film with an unanticipated twist. You might enjoy it.
I was 31 when this premiered, my wife and I saw it in the theater with a group of friends. Talked about it for hours afterward, still watch it every time I can. Totally enjoyed your reaction/ analysis.
Tom Cruise goading Jack Nicholson into saying he ordered the code red is illegal, it would have been stricken from the record, and Cruise would have been sanctioned for doing so while Jack would have gone free.
Boy, reacting to The West Wing would be a tremendous slog because it was a successful series that ran for years. But it’s Sorkin at his best, with a cast that never quits. If you haven’t seen it, please consider taking a look. Loved your reaction to this one. Peace …
According to one of my Theater professors, Many Law schools look for acting majors because they are trained to know the audience (the Jury and ad-lib, think on their feet and perform.
They were comparing it to Nuremberg because that is one of the few halmark legal examples where a soldier should have disobeyed direct order. My Lai was another example that occured in Vietnam that Sam brought up of a similar circumstance. The concept is simple: A soldier has a duty to disobey orders which are illegal, and unconstitutional. In practicality, it is something very difficult for a soldier to do without consequences. BTW, one of the best court room dramas ever. Now you need to watch "To Kill a Mockingbird"
First, outstanding reaction! I watch these to witness the fascination of a first time viewer. And yours is top shelf! The cinematography and symbolism are often over looked with this picture. The camera angle as Cruise calls his witness, and Nicholson enters the courtroom. Coronal Jessops hat, on the hardwood floor, after realizing he's under arrest. Then his picking it up as if the fall of a marine will never last.... Always one of my fav movies. I am no big Tom C. fan. But he stepped his game up to bat heads with Nicholson!
Stephen Lang made the character of Col. Jessep famous on stage before the movie. As good as Nicholson is, it's a shame we never got to see Lang perform Col. Jessep onscreen.
Great reaction! You really have a cinematic eye. I'm always impressed with your insights and ability to call the camera shot that's needed. Keep up the great work! Maybe try, "Taps" from 1981....
One of my favorite movies by one of my favorite writers. You had it right in the intro when you said that you start agreeing with whoever is talking. It’s not black and white, which makes it so much more compelling. You can’t HaNdLe the TrUtH lives on even if the movie is not always credited.
I was doing a construction job at Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Oceanside, CA in 1992. (Near San Diego) I watched this movie in the theater filled with Marines. They went friggen ape shit when it was over. My dad was stationed there right before the Vietnam war started, so he missed it. Good thing for me. My uncle was on the "Swift Boat" that Sen. John Kerry commanded during the war.
My boys and I went to see this movie when it came out. They were 22 and 17 at the time. We were/are cinephiles and caught the movie for many reasons. it remains on our list of best movies.
If you like courtroom movies you should watch my cousin Vinny. Even though it’s a comedy it has an incredible script and excellent acting. The movie is actually still used in law schools as a perfect example of proper courtroom procedures
One thing I miss from the play is that Kaffee throws Jessup's big courtroom monologue back at him in short order, pointing out that Jessup is so determined to run the base at Guantanimo Base _his way_ that no one and nothing, not even the Constitution of the United States, could get him to change his methods. It's a great moment, and shows how much of Jessup's absolutely basass speech ( _especially_ the way Jack Nicholson performs it, my god!) is built on self-serving ego.
People familiar with the NY theater scene knew of the play and Aaron Sorkin before his fame with West Wing. Tom Hulce was nominated for a Tony as Kaffee. But the movie did rely on star power. I saw this in the '90s, but probably on HBO after its run in the theaters. Great movie and reaction.
At the final charge -- which by the way is not in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as noted in the Legal Eagle episode on this movie wherein an actual member of the Marine Judge Advocate General advised Devin on the nuances; Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin invented it to make a point -- _that_ is why they brought up Nuremburg. Dawson and Downey had a responsibility to recognize an illegal order, in their eyes, and refuse it. Since they didn't, it's no joke what actually happened to them; the wrestler Randy Orton seems to have legitimately gotten _pissed_ at people on Twitter talking about how he was dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps (for going AWOL in the attempt to get dismissed, ironically enough), because he wasn't. It was a _bad conduct_ discharge. And as several people chimed in (with a few family members who served, I may have been one of them), the difference is that a BCD says you're a bad Marine. A dishonorable discharge means, symbolically, you were never a Marine at all.
Kevin Pollak has told some good stories about making this film. He's a well known stand-up comic and impersonator and he does Nicholson. Watch some of his interviews. He's also in "The Usual Suspects" and the comedy "The Whole Nine Yards". The reason the 2 soldiers were found guilty is that they obeyed an illegal order. Military men have a duty to obey orders but not illegal ones.
You mention at one point how the acting really gives weight to the scenes. So, I've seen some of the scenes from this movie in the form of the play. One thing that really stood out to me while watching was the level of acting. Now, anyone who knows anything about the movies knows that Tim Cruise and Jack Nicholson are incredible actors. But watching other actors in the same roles, delivering essentially the same dialogue really drove home how outstanding Cruise and Nicholson really are. It was a "lightbulb turned on" moment for me that has really increased my appreciation for fine actors. I'm glad you drew attention to it.
In a Rob Reiner interview, he said Nicholson had to give the You want me on that wall speech 42 times for coverage shots. Each time with the same intensity. That’s a major acting
If memory serves the actor who played Harold, Wolfgang Bodison, got the role for being in the right place at the right time. Rob Reiner was discussing the role with someone and saw Wolfgang standing nearby and pointed him out as an example of the type of person they were looking for. Then decided to cast him. Wolfgang wasn't an actor at the time and this was his first film
"Yawn, Like I said I love it" Loved it so much it nearly put you to sleep!!! How anyone could yawn in this movie is beyond me!!! It is a truly amazing movie with remarkable actors and amazing performances!!!
The reaction to this movie on the Legal Eagle channel is fun. They kind of take the air out of the whole idea that it would have been risky to ask difficult or accusatory questions of the officers.
Apparently Demi Moore demanded the biggest trailer on the set. When Jack Nicholson was asked about this he said " I was paid twice as much as her, but, yeah, she had the biggest trailer"
The Captain who tells Demi Moore's character that they "want to talk about her behind her back", is John M. Jackson who later famously played Admiral A.J Chegwidden in the long-running tv-series "JAG".
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The sheer volume of great actors, even in the smallest of roles in this movie, is absolutely astounding.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High had like 19 young unknown actors who went on to huge fame.
I was just thinking the same thing. Nearly every person in this movie later became a Hollywood star.
It’s a terrific movie for playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon!
You can say that again.
@@Y_.R Yeah, this one and JFK.
I was OBSESSED with this movie when I was a kid! My dad was a Navy officer, so I used to dress up in his old uniform and pretend to be Demi Moore. Ten bucks says I can still quote all her lines with 85+% accuracy 👩✈️👩⚖️
Nothing’s going to hurt you tonight; not on my watch.
Wow, even that ‘path of least resistance,’ speech?? Badass! I still can’t get it without stumbling. Lol. Well done
I also used to dress up and pretend to be Demi Moore, but only when Mum was out.
"Don't look now Danny, but you're making an argument"
@@andrewgrant6516 Who wouldn’t? Demi was ultra diva! Love her.
Nobody ever includes Rob Reiner on any list of best directors, but he's quietly responsible for so many legendary films -- Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, This is Spinal Tap, Misery
Agreed. When these movies were releasing back in real time, my best friend and fellow cinema nut actually had Reiner up there in the same level of esteem and importance as Scorsese, Spielberg, De Palma, Leone, Woody Allen. He was must-see first show matinee opening day, no question. He had an unbroken run I would put up against anybody's peak stretch and he's in the conversation. His first film is Spinal Tap. That's his first. He basically not only created an instant classic, but invented the mockumentary genre. His follow up is a forgotten to time, but not to us and was like cinematic opium to my bestie and I in high school which was The Sure Thing starring a very young John Cusack and Daphne Z from Spaceballs as the young opposites attract potential soulmates of the film we follow their first year away at college. It is a perfect coming of age movie. The attention to detail is so on the money and miraculous. Every little character, even one's with one line are memorable and quotable. It also is very 80's, has an amazing go for broke comic relief performance from Goose himself Anthony Edwards as Cusack's best friend whose not quite the man of substance Cusack's budding romantic is and is still two years away from Top Gun. This film was not promoted and didn't do well at the box office, but did recoup on the new thriving home video market. But, make no mistake, this is a stone cold classic. I love this more than Say Anything ... and Cameron Crowe is God. Trust me. Reiner at this point is a solid two for two. Immediately, he follows this up with the poignant Stephen King adaption Stand By Me which puts River Phoenix, Will Weadon, Corey Feldman and Jerry O Connell on the map. This is a masterpiece. Kiefer Sutherland is insanely spooky as the unhinged antagonist and Richard Dryfass is the greatest actor of his generation as grown up Will Weadon. Bam. Three for three. Reiner streak out the gate is three universally loved films and all classics. His fourth: a little film called The Princess Bride. Ba-Bam. Instant beloved classic. Four! Four for four, baby. How does he follow up this almost unparalleled win streak? By following in the footsteps of Kubrick and sliding into the horror genre by adapting another King story, but this time not side stepping the horror, but going all in. His fifth film is Misery. Instantly iconic. His first unabashed box office breakthrough smash and directs Kathy Bates to a best actress win. Five for five and Misery marks Reiner owning the back half of the 80's and entering the 90's undeterred without missing a beat. Next movie: A Few Good Men. This also marks the first screenplay by Arron Sorkan. Long story short: Six for six. Not just six hits. Six classics. And the least known one is my personal favorite along with my childhood chum The Sure Thing. This is where the steak ends. And like some supernatural curse, it doesn't just end, it crashes and burns hard. Almost like now the law of averages was he had to make horrible films to bring balance to the Force. His next movie was the infamous train wreck legendary on the list of all time worse motion pictures ever made North. The shipwreck would never right itself. It's like overnight he lost his talent. However, he still put out a legendary run of his first six movies all being all time classics and recognized as such. Do yourselves a favor: see The Sure Thing as fast as you can.
The movie that dares to ask the immortal question: who invented liquid soap ... and WHY??
When Shanelle first mentioned "unobtrusive filmmaking" on another video, I thought of him.
He doesn't have standout "signatures" like slowmo or lens flare. What stands out is that the movie is just GOOD. You get sucked in, and nothing gets in the way of your immersion.
You finish and just go, "Holy crap that was a MOVIE."
Yeah, Meathead is an A-list director for sure!
Aw Geez, Not Bad for a Meathead!
No one ever included Shawshank Redemption in their lists of Rob Whiner films, but it's not half bad.
Love watching people discover this movie for the first time. Your "This is the YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH movie???," made me laugh out loud. Great reaction.
That line became iconic but that entire speech is exquisite
This was *"12 Angry Men 1957"* level of intensity. I loved it. I love courtroom drama's.
Interesting, 12 Angry Men is starting to make the rounds among the reacting community. It's nice to see.
It is nice to see the classics, especially the black and whites, getting their appreciation. It is one of the disappointing things about the reaction folks.
No. This is The Caine Motiny 1992 version.
This was originally a play Sorkin wrote. In the top corner of the stage would be an actual Marine standing still at attention throughout the entire play and at the end he would turn around and salute.
I saw it, but I forgot about that!
A "Code Red" in the Navy was called a "Blanket Party".
Tom Cruise has played being in the Navy in 3 Movies (This one, "Top Gun" and "Top Gun: Maverick"). In Both Roles he plays a Member of the Navy but doesn't like Water!
I love how they show the "Sibling Rivalry" between the Branches... Totally Realistic!
The Marine Corps is the men's department of the US Navy.
Now that you mention it, I just realized Cruise played a lot of characters who were military... Taps (Air Force Cadet), Born On The Fourth of July (Marine), The Last Samurai (Cavalry), Valkyrie (German Army), Jack Reacher (Army) , Edge of Tomorrow (whatever that was)
One of Rob Reiner's Masterpieces Ever Made, Cool Reaction As Always Shanelle, You Have A Nice Day Sweetie 🥰❤️
Fun fact....Lance Corporal Dawson was played by Rob Reiner's assistant. Also, according to Aaron Sorkin he was inspired by his sister who was a JAG lawyer and assigned to defend a marine accused of murdering another marine. Reportedly, it was her observation that the powers that be seemed to be going out of their way to give the case to an inexperienced lawyer
One of my favorite courtroom dramas of all time, the script is tight, the actors are all giving their A game, and the antagonist pretty much seals his own fate by arrogance alone WHICH IS SUCH A SATOSFYING RESOLUTION and actually kind of funny when you think about how many real people beleive their "untouchable" because of their positions or privelege. Jessup got what he deserved, and Jack Nicholson played this character so well. I remember Kevin Pollack talking about what it was like on set with Nicholson, and between takes he'd be laughing and happy and Pollack asked him "You could probably be doing anything else, why do our little courtroom drama movie?" He just grinned that signature grin of his, leaned over to me and said "I love acting, man! I just love it!"
great facts! specially the second one, thanks.
Wow, I'm shocked that the trivia section didn't mention the thing that is most famous about it: the shooting of Jack Nicholson's part, and specifically the courtroom scene. You can look up at least two hilarious interviews with Kevin Pollock talking about as well Kevin Bacon, Noah Wyle, Kiefer Sutherland and Rob Reiner. Noah Wyle talks about the read through, which is hilarious. Kevin Pollock has two interviews on Rich Eisen, both telling different stories. Highly recommend checking those out, they're hilarious.
This. Great stories, and they show the power of Nicholson as an actor, even in a part with relatively little screen time.
Definitely find those Kevin Pollack videos. They are great views into behind the scenes of filmmaking and acting.
And funny.
I was 19 in 1992, and saw the film twice in theaters. When it went to home video, I re-watched Jack's big speech so many times that I inadvertently memorized the entire thing. I can still recite it today, it's like muscle memory. Sometimes I try reciting it at high-speed, but I can't get through the whole thing without taking a breath.
The Oscar nominees for "Adapted Screenplay" that year: Three came from novels, one from a short story and one was a remake of an Italian film. Since then, Sorkin has been nominated for four screenplays, and won for "The Social Network".
Director Rob Reiner was on quite a run here; he made "Stand By Me", "The Princess Bride", "When Harry Met Sally", "Misery" and "A Few Good Men" back to back. Those are all very well-regarded movies!
Keifer Sutherland and Kevin Bacon had co-starred in "Flatliners" two years earlier with Julia Roberts. Of course, Tom and Cuba would be "Jerry Maguire" costars a few years after this.
You mentioned seeing Aaron Sorkin in a bar scene...which one?
Oh dude, you're right! I totally forgot about Flatliners! What a banger of a movie that was!
At the 1630 mark, Sorkin is the one talking.
@@mattjones7226 Pretty difficult to see him here! Guess I'll have to watch the movie again, thanks.
I was 24 😊
Wolfgang Bodison (Lance CPL. Harold W. Dawson) was working as an assistant to Rob Reiner on Misery and this movie as a Location Manager, and Rob pretty much threw him into the role on a whim because he hadn't been able to find anybody to fit the role. Bodison had no experience acting prior to AFGM. I think it's fair to say that he did a stellar job in this role.
So right! Bodison did a terrific job, nose to nose with Cruise. The actor playing the judge was excellent, too - "I'm quite sure I'VE earned it".
He's absolutely spectacular! I've always been so very sorry that he never did any more roles. To my knowledge.
I saw this movie in 93, on a plane. I was 12, so still a bit young to appreciate it. A slightly older cousin enjoyed it so much that she convinced me to give another try a year later, and oh boy, I ended up loving it, but had no idea who Sorkin was. Cut to a few years later when I become obsessed with Sports Night and then The West Wing, and find out those shows were from the guy who wrote A Few Good Men. I was in full Sorkin mania in the early 2000s.
I totally missed out on the sports night thing. Heard it was really good. But I LOVE this man’s writing too.
I saw this in the theater and walked out afterwards saying "wow, what a great movie!" Was shocked at the lack of Oscar wins. Another really good court room drama from same era is a lesser known film "Class Action" with Gene Hackman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Riveting court scenes.
Ah, so no wins then? I can never remember Oscar wins that much. I saw in the trivia section there were 4 nominations but now that you say that I'm shocked too. Class Action! Oh man, hadn't heard about that one in a long time!
And Hackman received Oscar for The Unforgiven, beating out Jack Nicholson's performance in AFGM. Hackman's performance was not near as rivets.
Along w/ Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs & David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, this film made 1992 a great year for dialogue on the big screen. Two other movies w/ courtroom aspects that year were My Cousin Vinny & Scent of a Woman.
40:18 add The American President (1995) to your watch list. It’s also Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin and the blueprint for what would become The West Wing.
Kevin Pollak has some great stories from working on this film. The interview he did with Rich Eisen had me in stitches.
Christian Slater had a small part in this. When asked if he was nervous working with Nicholson, he said he was terrified. But instead of hiding, he showed no fear. Walked straight up to Nicholson on his first day and said "I hear you talk like me."
Nicholson would walk onto set in the morning and say with a sigh "Another day, another ten grand." 😎
He made $5 million for ten days work. That's $500,000/day.
A REALLY REALLY GOOD courtroom drama is A Time To Kill. I would love to see you react to that if you haven't seen it yet. Excellent drama with influences outside the courtroom
Tom Cruise is basically playing the same character here as in Top Gun. A cocky and reckless naval officer who is extremely talented but has to live up to the massive expectations of his father.
Cruise tends to play varying degrees of the same character except Collateral, Tropic Thunder, and maybe a few others.
Watch Born on the 4th of July if you want to see a really good Tom Cruise performance. Or check out Interview with the vampire.
Tom Cruise is not very versatile in his roles. He is like Johnny Depp. He has a sweet spot that he could hit, and misses on every other role.
@@battleaxe8252 I’ve been meaning to watch Born on the Forth of July. Glad to hear it’s among his better more different performances. I can’t believe I forgot to mention Interview with a Vampire above, but you’re right it is a VERY different performance of his. 👍
@@R.J.Godzilla81 OK, dude, in Tropic Thunder he's 360° from that character template. 🤨
Shanelle you are always looking good.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. Tom Cruise had an outstanding performance in this film.
I'll always think of Rob Reiner as 'meathead' from All in the Family.
The cast is outstanding... like top grade.
The scene where Markenson is in the back of the car the startled jump by Tom Cruise is real. In the script the car was supposed to stop at a light and Markenson was to hop in. But to get a more real reaction the director tried one with the other actor already in the car. Despite the jumpscare Cruise stayed in character and that was the take they used.
One of my favorite bits in this movie is when Tom Cruise does a Jack Nicholson impression. Christopher Guest looks so different in the various roles he plays. Great reaction, Shan.
This is a nice treat. Shocked you never saw it and shocked you never watched it on your channel yet. But, I for one, will proclaim before it starts, that this is sooooo up your alley. This should be fun. Ok, lets watch, Shanelle 😀
*Bingo*
Knew you'd like it. You'd probably also like Mr. Cruise in "Knight and Day" with Cameron Diaz. A slightly different role for him.
Fun! No matter how many times I see this I still have the same emotional reaction to Dawson’s “we were supposed to protect Willie” then his change of heart from having no respect for Kaffee at the beginning to his honourable “there’s an officer on deck” salute at the end. Acting gold!
Don't forget, the look on Weinberg's face after Dawson has uttered those words. You know how much Weinberg disliked Dawson for being a bully. But on hearing those words from Dawson, Weinberg looks at him like he just had an epiphany - that Dawson is really a good man.
@jmo... Such a horseshit moment. That is one of the worst (of many) parts of the movie. They (Col/1stLt) gave the kid a 'code red' (movie term) because they thought Pvt Santiago was lazy slacker, not that they thought or knew he had a probably un-diagnosed (medical malpractice?) heart condition. Cpl Dawson and LCpl Downey were following orders, not bullying some kid because 'he couldn't run fast' or whatever LT Wienberg says.
So, in your mind, when Cpl Dawson was given the order by 1stLt Kendrick to 'code red' Pvt Santiago, he was supposed to refuse that order and 'stand up for Santiago' to his Platoon Leader? A commissioned officer. That just wouldn't happen, nor should it. And how were they to know that the 'doctor' mis-diagnosed his probable heart condition? They couldn't, so they thought he was malingering to get out of unit training and PT. Plus, after Pvt Santiago did the only thing he could in his mind to survive, writing the letter to NCIS, now they'd have extra motivation to 'train' him not to go outside their unit. Again, this isn't bullying.
You probably also missed the fact that NOTHING HAPPENED to the 'doctor' who committed malpractice by sending a Marine back to his unit with a probable heart condition. Say this 'code red' never happened and he goes on another full-gear/pack run, collapses, and dies. Now what happens to the 'doctor' when they see in his annual physical notes "shortness of breath, fatigue, etc" See the logic? Why wasn't the 'doctor' put up on a medical board review and had his license suspended, pending investigation, after this incident? Because it's inconvenient to the plot, that's why.
The 'doctor' is the only one in this whole chain who escapes COMPLETELY UNTOUCHED but is the most responsible for ALL OF IT.
@@fredgrimley8883 'nor should it' Uhm. I agree with most of what you say (especially about the doctor) but this had me go full breaks, nope. If his Co had told them to chase Santiago around a field until he puked - no problem at all with it. Sneaking into his room and using very non military methods of punishment like a tape over his mouth? Unless they train to be, I don't know, torturers officially and that is in the Code of Conduct somehow (which it is NOT), they had to know that what they were ordered to do - in a secure environment, not under fire - was illegal, no matter who ordered them. The argument of being ordered to torture someone so it's ok has been famously last used by Nazis after WW2 and there the Genevra Convention makes it very clear that a soldier can refuse an order he thinks is morally wrong with the caveat that the soldier has to be able to justify his refusal and has to be ready to bear the consequences. Following an order to torture someone does not make you a good soldier, it makes you a monster.
The Captain who asked Demi Moore to step out of the room at the beginning is played by John M. Jackson, who played the Navy Judge Advocate General on the subsequent TV show "J.A.G."
I think JAG was influenced by "A Few Good Men", and it also helped that the show's creator, Don Bellsario, is a military veteran.
RIP to J.T. Walsh, one the finest character actors to ever live.
Could't agree more.
This is just one of those rare perfect films with a perfect combo of writing/directing/acting. The audience for this film: everyone.
"Here's Johnny" is from the tonight show when Ed McMahon would introduce Johnny Carson. Nicholson's character from The Shining was named Jack Torrence. Remember when he typed, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy" thousands of times while he was pretending to be writing his novel?
Awesome movie. Rob Reiner is amazing at directing different genre movies. Comedy, drama, fantasy, thriller/horror. And Kevin Pollak is really great in this film (it really is an All-Star cast).
Kevin Pollak always gives a great performance (even in cameos like Wayne's World 2 😉)
Great Director, but a crappy human being!
The “Here's Johnny!” Is a catchphrase used by Ed McMahon on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Nicholson was imitating.
You got teary eyed at the same point I did in the theater when the movie originally came out. That line about "honor" at the end -- the eyes start to tear up.
To a lesser degree this movie was and is the To Kill a Mockingbird of our time. One of the all time notable performances and screenplays. This was Tom Cruise when he had something to prove...before all the Mission Impossibles. This was Jack Nicholson in his second incarnation as one of the Greatest Actors of our time and this was Demi Moore right before her acting career went ballistic. Great performances all around and which show why the 90s is one of the greatest eras in film making. Cant believe its 30 years old.
Not sure if you recognized the Doctor on the stand, but that's none other than "Nigel Tuffnel Lead guitar!" from This is Spinal Tap, and also The Six-Fingered Man from The Princess Bride, played by the ever so talented Christopher Guest.
The tragedy of Rob Reiner is as follows, when he adapts another's work he's considered a great collaborator but not a great creator since he's adapting the best (because the best want to work with him, or they are his friends) , but you only need to look at people like King, Sorkin, and Ephron and their attempts to direct their own work and you can see how desperately in need of a collaborator they really are. It is precisely Rob Reiner's ability to reign in the excesses of a writer like Sorkin that make something like this movie really work, but the myth of the singular genius that surrounds some writers makes it seem like anyone can point a camera at their work and it will just be good. Movies are collaborations for a reason, and a director that knows what to cut is just as good as a director who knows what to add, but the former never get called truly great. (It's probably not fair to include Ephron on this list since she was a very competent director of her own work, but i just can't shake the feeling that When Harry Met Sally is considered the best for a reason... Sorkin's attempts are execrable though, I do stand by that)
I love this movie. I saw it in the theater back in the day. If you love Sorkin you need to watch “The American President” (if you haven’t already).
Yes! Great film!
Great reaction Shanelle. Apparently the Harold W. Dawson character was cast with a different person in mind but Rob Reiner saw one of crew members and thought he fit the role better so he did a screen test and transferred from the crew to cast.
Something I think you'd find fascinating, as I did: Look up Rob Reiner's, Kevin Bacon's, Kevin Pollack's and Noah Wylie's appearances on The Rich Eisen show. They're each asked to give their perspectives of what it was like being in the courtroom when Jack is giving the "You can't handle the truth" soliloquy. Very eye opening on the kind of professional that Jack Nicholson is. And Pollack's interview is hilarious as well.
When you mentioned you wanted to be on a jury it reminded me of my jury duty service many years ago right after I had just finished my service in the Air Force. It was actually a case that had never been tried before. An oil tanker off the coast of California had run over it's own anchor and many of the beach counties had to close their beaches for weeks for oil clean-up. The counties were suing the shipping company for lost use of the public beaches (which are free to use by the public). The counties conducted around 20 studies to try to determine what people would pay to go to the beach, the outcome ranging from a few dollars up to aproximately $20. The trial was filled with an immense amount of technical data, sea depth charts, etc. and lasted over 3 months! When it came time for deliberations many of the other jurors were not really sure what to do and I suggested that we add up the total of all the surveys and then divide that total by the number of surveys to get an average amount of what people would pay to go to the beach, which was then multiplied by the estimated number of people that would have used those beaches during the time of closures. This amount was submitted to the judge and was approved as a fair and reasonable amount. I really felt like I had made a true impact on helping to decide the outcome of that case. We were not there to determine guilt, that was a separate trial that had already been settled. Well I just wanted to share that with you it really was something I will never forget.
Santiago would have been packed. Santiago would have been packed!
❤
This was the film that proved TC was not just a pretty, action-only name. The triumvirate (TC, Demi and Jack) were so well supported, but definitely it was TC's to lose. One of the best Courtroom dramas of all time. I can't believe it's been a favourite for 30 years! Oh, and you still look good on a "bad hair day".
I'm still more impressed with Tom Cruise's acting in 1989's Born on the Fourth of July, but I guess this one solidified it.
@@la_beatrice Yep. He's been in a lot of great films. The fact of the matter is that Cruise is an underrated dramatic actor. But he's found his calling with action movies. It seems he loves that stuff more than being a serious dramatic actor. I can't blame him. He's the best.
I get what your saying but, by the this point TC had already put in brilliant proper acting performances in "rain man" and "born on the 4th of july". Any one that thought TC was just a pretty face for action roles in 1992 had been living under a rock.
TC was very well respected for his acting in "the colour of money" and "cocktail".
Always considered a pretty boy yes.
But people knew he could really act.
@@scratchpenny - The way I see it is that TC is arguably *the* "movie star" of his generation - he clearly loves doing stunts and is very much enamoured of the process of movie making as well. Every so often though, he'll take a project that demonstrates he's a very good actor. Of course, if your role involves a couple of scenes in which you go toe-to-toe with Jack Nicholson, you'd better bring your "A" game!
@@NeilLewis77 Rainman...now *THERE'S* a good showcase of his dramatic acting right there! And not to mention Dustin Hoffman's.
I literally watched this earlier today, one of my favourite films. The screenplay is one of the best ever👏🏻 “Nobody likes her very much!”😂😂
Also, Jack Nicholson is magnificent
A great reactor digging into one of the greatest movies of all-time. Yeah, I’m in! “One for the books!”
This is where I was first exposed to Aaron Sorkin’s writing. Tremendous writer.
Another top class movie with fantastic performances and dialogue, coincidentally from the same year as "A Few Good Men", is "Glengarry Glen Ross". Based on the play by David Mamet, it has a stellar cast all at the top of their game. And if you are looking for sharp, incisive and rapid dialogue, this is the movie for you.
Coffee's for closers.
Semper Fi. As a Marine I’ve always loved this movie. Love your reactions. ❤
The "Tom Cruise on the couch" reference would be like Al Pacino with the screaming/yelling scene, it's a must in every movie.
Great reaction
Great Reaction, thanks. (Rob Lowe played "Kaffee" in the play in London.) Will you watch Coppola's "The Outsiders"? I think you'll find that classic to be a BRILLIANT movie. Waiting for it...
I second The Outsiders.
I'll recommend that you react to 12 Angry Men (1957). You said you might want to be on a jury someday, and that's the focus of the movie.
My favorite reactor doing my favorite movie. Happy Sunday to me. "Don't look now Danny, but you're making an argument" is a top line all time for me, and there are about 10 more in this film. Nicholson is in three scenes and steals the whole thing.
Love how engaged you are in this reaction!! And you read the plot perfectly. Great job
I've seen a couple of reaction videos to this movie. I have to say I loved your reaction the best. Well done and thank you for an amazing video. ❤
Wow, thank you!
@@ShanelleRiccio You are so welcome, Shanelle! I'm at this very moment binge-watching your videos. Love to you!
I was actually in a production of the play in New York a couple years ago. It was a blast. I played the role of Corporal Howard which became Corporal Barnes (played by Noah Wylie) in the movie.
I saw this back when it came out, great movie. The ending is amazing, love the energy between Cruise and Nicholson. The Firm, is another lawyer type movie that stared Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman. Not as good as this one but still entertaining.
The Firm was going to be my recommendation as well. Good film!
True! And that one also has an all-star cast to die for.
I was scrolling through your list of reactions and couldn't help but notice that The Shawshank Redemption is still conspicuously missing. I think you're ready for it and that you will knock that reaction right out of the park. Please seriously consider doing that one. Your channel fans will love you for that 😀
Yes, we will. 😁
No military officer would ever have been allowed to get away with his insubordinate behavior…she would have had him on charges from their first meeting.
Nicholson's name was Jack Torrence in the Shining movie. He said "here's Johnny" in reference to the Johnny Carson show when Ed McMahon would introduce him he would say "HERE'SSS Johnnyyyy"
Great reaction Shanelle! For another military drama with some good courtroom scenes is Men of Honor starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro.
That's SUCH an excellent film! You should recommend it to her this friday on the livestream. I know I will. 😉
Jack’s name in the shining is, Jack. You probably already know this, but when he says “ here’s Johnny”, he’s just referencing the intro to the old Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson
“Timber, I’m falling in love.” That is the Patty Loveless song playing while Cruise and Moore’s characters are eating in the restaurant. I will forever associate one with the other now.
Aaron Sorkin at his best. Smart and fun reaction. I’m in the legal field and this is one of my favorite courtroom dramas. You are spot on with your observations and comments. Love it ❤
Also, one of the best early court-room films is "The Young Philadelphians". The TV series Perry Mason borrows heavily on the court style of this movie. Paul Newman plays the defense attorney who "cracks" the prosecution case in court. A very fine film with an unanticipated twist. You might enjoy it.
Paul Newman in The Verdict remains a favorite.
I was 31 when this premiered, my wife and I saw it in the theater with a group of friends. Talked about it for hours afterward, still watch it every time I can. Totally enjoyed your reaction/ analysis.
Tom Cruise goading Jack Nicholson into saying he ordered the code red is illegal, it would have been stricken from the record, and Cruise would have been sanctioned for doing so while Jack would have gone free.
One of my favorite speeches ever was Kevin Pollak's "What would you do?" speech.
Boy, reacting to The West Wing would be a tremendous slog because it was a successful series that ran for years. But it’s Sorkin at his best, with a cast that never quits. If you haven’t seen it, please consider taking a look. Loved your reaction to this one. Peace …
According to one of my Theater professors, Many Law schools look for acting majors because they are trained to know the audience (the Jury and ad-lib, think on their feet and perform.
Yeah, that checks out.
They were comparing it to Nuremberg because that is one of the few halmark legal examples where a soldier should have disobeyed direct order. My Lai was another example that occured in Vietnam that Sam brought up of a similar circumstance. The concept is simple: A soldier has a duty to disobey orders which are illegal, and unconstitutional. In practicality, it is something very difficult for a soldier to do without consequences.
BTW, one of the best court room dramas ever. Now you need to watch "To Kill a Mockingbird"
First, outstanding reaction! I watch these to witness the fascination of a first time viewer. And yours is top shelf! The cinematography and symbolism are often over looked with this picture. The camera angle as Cruise calls his witness, and Nicholson enters the courtroom. Coronal Jessops hat, on the hardwood floor, after realizing he's under arrest. Then his picking it up as if the fall of a marine will never last.... Always one of my fav movies. I am no big Tom C. fan. But he stepped his game up to bat heads with Nicholson!
Always love your analysis and reactions.
Well done.
Stephen Lang made the character of Col. Jessep famous on stage before the movie. As good as Nicholson is, it's a shame we never got to see Lang perform Col. Jessep onscreen.
I enjoyed his portrayal of Stonewall Jackson in, "Gods and Generals".
Great reaction! You really have a cinematic eye. I'm always impressed with your insights and ability to call the camera shot that's needed. Keep up the great work! Maybe try, "Taps" from 1981....
One of my favorite movies by one of my favorite writers.
You had it right in the intro when you said that you start agreeing with whoever is talking. It’s not black and white, which makes it so much more compelling.
You can’t HaNdLe the TrUtH lives on even if the movie is not always credited.
'you cant handle the truth' is what this movie is known for, but it's so much more than that one scene. excellent movie through and through.
I was doing a construction job at Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Oceanside, CA in 1992. (Near San Diego) I watched this movie in the theater filled with Marines. They went friggen ape shit when it was over. My dad was stationed there right before the Vietnam war started, so he missed it. Good thing for me. My uncle was on the "Swift Boat" that Sen. John Kerry commanded during the war.
My boys and I went to see this movie when it came out. They were 22 and 17 at the time. We were/are cinephiles and caught the movie for many reasons. it remains on our list of best movies.
In my years in the Navy, I met many a young Junior Officer that took their cues on how to behave from Tom Cruise movies
I absolutely LOVE this film, I've seen it so many times. Such a great cast, and so well made. I appreciated your insight, too - great video 🙂
If you like courtroom movies you should watch my cousin Vinny. Even though it’s a comedy it has an incredible script and excellent acting. The movie is actually still used in law schools as a perfect example of proper courtroom procedures
One thing I miss from the play is that Kaffee throws Jessup's big courtroom monologue back at him in short order, pointing out that Jessup is so determined to run the base at Guantanimo Base _his way_ that no one and nothing, not even the Constitution of the United States, could get him to change his methods. It's a great moment, and shows how much of Jessup's absolutely basass speech ( _especially_ the way Jack Nicholson performs it, my god!) is built on self-serving ego.
i did this script in acting school. One of my favourite scripts to work in terms of scene study. A masterclass script!
People familiar with the NY theater scene knew of the play and Aaron Sorkin before his fame with West Wing. Tom Hulce was nominated for a Tony as Kaffee. But the movie did rely on star power. I saw this in the '90s, but probably on HBO after its run in the theaters. Great movie and reaction.
At the final charge -- which by the way is not in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as noted in the Legal Eagle episode on this movie wherein an actual member of the Marine Judge Advocate General advised Devin on the nuances; Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin invented it to make a point -- _that_ is why they brought up Nuremburg. Dawson and Downey had a responsibility to recognize an illegal order, in their eyes, and refuse it. Since they didn't, it's no joke what actually happened to them; the wrestler Randy Orton seems to have legitimately gotten _pissed_ at people on Twitter talking about how he was dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps (for going AWOL in the attempt to get dismissed, ironically enough), because he wasn't. It was a _bad conduct_ discharge. And as several people chimed in (with a few family members who served, I may have been one of them), the difference is that a BCD says you're a bad Marine. A dishonorable discharge means, symbolically, you were never a Marine at all.
Kevin Pollak has told some good stories about making this film. He's a well known stand-up comic and impersonator and he does Nicholson. Watch some of his interviews. He's also in "The Usual Suspects" and the comedy "The Whole Nine Yards".
The reason the 2 soldiers were found guilty is that they obeyed an illegal order. Military men have a duty to obey orders but not illegal ones.
Pollak is also one of the Brownies in Willow. He's very funny, but can do drama just as well.
I know! Have u seen his DeNiro impression from when they shot Casino? Priceless! 🤣
You mention at one point how the acting really gives weight to the scenes. So, I've seen some of the scenes from this movie in the form of the play. One thing that really stood out to me while watching was the level of acting. Now, anyone who knows anything about the movies knows that Tim Cruise and Jack Nicholson are incredible actors. But watching other actors in the same roles, delivering essentially the same dialogue really drove home how outstanding Cruise and Nicholson really are. It was a "lightbulb turned on" moment for me that has really increased my appreciation for fine actors. I'm glad you drew attention to it.
In a Rob Reiner interview, he said Nicholson had to give the You want me on that wall speech 42 times for coverage shots. Each time with the same intensity. That’s a major acting
“YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!” Classic line 😱
Tom Cruise truly has one of the most impeccable filmography. That's why he is the biggest moviestar of all time. Hope you see vanilla sky of him
38:50 - I just knew you'd love this film since I saw it posted on your Patreon. After all, it's not just a movie, it's cinema! 😉
Yep. Seen this movie several times and I've never heard of Aaron Sorkin. Aaron, or Alan? LOL, good call on that one Shanelle.
If memory serves the actor who played Harold, Wolfgang Bodison, got the role for being in the right place at the right time. Rob Reiner was discussing the role with someone and saw Wolfgang standing nearby and pointed him out as an example of the type of person they were looking for. Then decided to cast him. Wolfgang wasn't an actor at the time and this was his first film
I'm tempted to work at a Taco Bell just so I can shout to a customer, "Did you order the code red?"
🤣🤣🤣
This film isn’t a courtroom drama. It is THE courtroom drama.
I'm obsessed with how great your hair looks. Stunnin' as always. So glad you did this movie because so many great actors are killing it.
"Yawn, Like I said I love it" Loved it so much it nearly put you to sleep!!! How anyone could yawn in this movie is beyond me!!! It is a truly amazing movie with remarkable actors and amazing performances!!!
You should check out Men Of Honor next with Cuba Gooding Jr.
I second, third and two-hundred-and-forty-fifth that!😃
The reaction to this movie on the Legal Eagle channel is fun. They kind of take the air out of the whole idea that it would have been risky to ask difficult or accusatory questions of the officers.
Apparently Demi Moore demanded the biggest trailer on the set. When Jack Nicholson was asked about this he said " I was paid twice as much as her, but, yeah, she had the biggest trailer"
27:43 - LOL! Most accurate description of that acting Ive ever heard! 🤣🤣🤣
The Captain who tells Demi Moore's character that they "want to talk about her behind her back", is John M. Jackson who later famously played Admiral A.J Chegwidden in the long-running tv-series "JAG".