A FEW GOOD MEN (1992) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Tom Cruise | Jack Nicholson | Demi Moore

[@larrypope5142]

I retired from the service after 20 plus years, but I do remember them showing us this movie in basic training to teach us about unlawful orders and lawful orders and that you should not follow orders you know are wrong because they say following orders regardless if they are morally wrong saves lives. They still encourage you to use sound judgement. It’s one of the foundations to becoming a good leader.

[@stevenwasserman9729]

Absolutely. We had it hammered into us what is and is not a lawful order and how unlawful orders must not be followed.

[@dusty4835]

Yep, the classic Nuremburg defense.

[@doc0815martens]

We didn't see the movie in that context, but we discussed examples of when an order is illegal and doesn't have to be obeyed (e.g. if a superior were to ask you to wash his private car), and in certain cases mustn't even be obeyed (e.g. shooting at civilians), otherwise you make yourself liable to prosecution. Besides, it would be the easiest thing in the world for the commander (-> Jack Nicholson) to say, the soldier is unsuitable for service here, send me another one. Or send him to the canteen, peel vegetables, wash dishes, etc. for the rest of his service, maybe he can even train as a cook. It's not a training regiment, but a regular unit, so he can request and refuse more easily than other commanders, especially in the position he's in. But of course, then the case wouldn't arise and we wouldn't have a movie. 😉

[@hafeya]

retired AF here too. We had the same thing. The only thing I never cared for was the bogus conduct unbecoming charge and giving a sentence with a verdict, followed by the guards taking them to personnel to get immediately thrown out, with no appeals process. But i get it wasn't a documentary :p

[@larrypope5142]

That’s true. The sentence with a verdict. I don’t think most people in Hollywood know they are separate or they just put them together lazily to save time and then stamp “the end.” But then again, the director is Rob Reiner who has a track record of being a lunatic. His point of view in 2016 was that in order for democracy to survive you should give Hillary Clinton the presidency with no election and that “all opposition candidates” should be imprisoned and not allowed to run. Watch his interviews, he looks unhinged and deranged.

[@laurenherda2415]

One of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made. I love that there's no romantic love story, its straightforward to the plot, great acting all around from everyone

[@Vulcanerd]

Yeah, this was a small, but favorite point for me, too. I didn’t need the romance trope, just a great story with believable characters.

[@vickster5001]

@@VulcanerdI was at a Q&A with Sorkin and he said the studio pushed to have a romance story strand and he firmly said no. Glad he did.

[@Vulcanerd]

@@vickster5001 Ohh, I may have heard about this. Would have been awesome to hear it from the proverbial horse's mouth at a Q&A, though!

[@Jordashian93]

Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson knock it out of the park in this iconic courtroom drama.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yeah, I’m concerned because Jack Nicholson might not be around much longer. He’s 86 and he’s been retired for years now

[@krishna_KaraokeZone]

Yes, and to think that Jack Nicholson was on the screen for just about 15 mins and the impact he made within that short period of time is incredible. Tom Cruise did a great job standing up against an iconic actor like Jack Nicholson. Kevin Bacon was excellent as well.

[@robingravestock3227]

I have seen this film so many times, it’s on our TV free to air at least once a year and we all are waiting for that moment, amazing acting

[@mike13tyson]

Why no words for the spectacular performance of Jack Nicholson?

[@EleventhCubFan]

An acting masterclass. I wish Tom Cruise made more movies like this nowadays.

[@scottbarkley496]

He did those for TWENTY years lol

[@chrismalik1579]

Not really, he did alot of action movies

[@RahilSethi]

@@chrismalik1579 "Help me, help you!" -- Jerry Maguire and a few others.

[@scottbarkley496]

@chrismalik1579 his filmography from 1981 to 2001 .. say otherwise.

[@Vulcanerd]

Yeah, this is my favorite Cruise role and I’m not necessarily the biggest fan of TC.

[@shainewhite2781]

"I WANT THE TRUTH!" "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture but lost to Unforgiven.

[@Vulcanerd]

And Nicholson lost to Gene Hackman in Unforgiven too. Hard to argue against Hackman and Nicholson was on screen for surprisingly little time, but like Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, he was immense in the time he was.

[@isuriadireja91]

Tom should've been nominated and Jack should've won. Hackman's great, but Jack's performance as Jessup is just ICONIC. Sure, he's not on screen as much, but it's quality over quantity. Hackman's given a similar performance to his Unforgiven one, but Jack... His villain turn here is 3 dimensional and way more than what he did in The Shining, or Batman.

[@isuriadireja91]

@@Dave-hb7lx hellz yeah!!

[@axr7149]

Jack Nicholson was deservedly nominated for this, but the Supporting Actor category was STACKED that year. You had Jaye Davidson for THE CRYING GAME, Al Pacino for GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, Jack Nicholson for A FEW GOOD MEN, Gene Hackman for UNFORGIVEN, and David Paymer for MR. SATURDAY NIGHT all nominated, with Hackman winning. I actually think Al Pacino was very deserving too. Fun Fact: Al Pacino was double nominated that year (Lead for SCENT OF A WOMAN on top of the Supporting nod above) and WON his only ever Oscar in Lead that night (those were his 7th and 8th acting nominations respectively and was Oscarless until that night).

[@nathans3241]

This movie is a lesson in how to use key phrases, words, and tone of voice to piss off someone in an effort to get them to do what you want.

[@robf7213]

Rob Reiner doesn't get mentioned as often when people talk about great directors, probably because his peak was pretty short lived, but from 84-92 he was easily my favorite director. All of his movies from that era are great. This Is Spinal Tap Stand By Me The Princess Bride When Harry Met Sally... Misery A Few Good Men

[@DR-mq1vn]

I saw this movie when it came out in 92 in the theaters. I remember being blown away that Tom Cruise held his own during the scene with Nicholson!

[@dpillifeant]

(During Mr. Nicholson's monologue) Kristen sat there listening like a good little girl in the presence of Jack, not saying a thing. (As we all would) and at timestamp 31:08 the look on her face was fantastic. I love your reactions Kristen. They are so real. Your best though is still Armageddon.

[@TalebIbrahim]

Tom Cruise was fabulous in this movie. His acting is superb in his earlier films, like The Firm and Rain Man. Its a pity he traded that in for action films. They don't do him justice. Jack Nicholson did 10 days work on this film and was paid $5 million. It was worth that fee for the court room scene alone.

[@pauldonohew3084]

Caffy had it right in questioning the Doc. Santiago should never have been cleared as fit for full duty with those ongoing symptoms. As a 20 year Corpsman with several tours with the Marines, anything heart related would have been explored to the enth degree. The Doc is the real villain.

[@aronnwoods8309]

Every Single Actor Is Phenomenal.

[@richardlukesh5807]

I believe the writer's sister was a Navy lawyer who worked on a case with a young Marine who had a commanding officer who was similar to Jack Nicholson's character. That story inspired the writing of A FEW GOOD MEN.

[@quixote6942]

In the Navy (Back in the 80's) we called it a "Blanket Party", and for the most part it was for MAJOR Screw-ups that refused to Shower or was always late for their Watch. Since we were at sea for a month at a time we also had general "Rough Housing", like filling a shipmates Boondockers (Shoes) with Leftover Gravy or Staple the cuffs of their pants closed while they were in their racks sleeping. After 1990, Such behavior was Declared "Hazing" and was banned.

[@quixote6942]

Chances are, they probably tried to Touch/Kiss another shipmate. What each Sailor did on Liberty was their business as long as they didn't make it a ships issue and kept it to themselves... "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". I never gave it any thought, myself. My girlfriends (monogamous) and I were happy .

[@mrtim5363]

In the Navy, at the beginning of the 70's, we also called it a "Blanket Party". Literally, assistant to the Captain of the ship. he made it clear on day 1 "Any bad behavior on your part, you are going over the side. I don't want your stain on my record. It's easier if you just disappear." Trust me, I believed every word of it. Yet after a year of faithful service, when I walked into his office & said, I'm gay. (very illegal) His reply: No you're not, get back to work.

[@Serai3]

Thinking past the great performances, just imagine the guts it took for Tom Cruise to stand up to Jack Nicholson. Not only his elder, but an actor whose entire oeuvre is based on dominance. It must have been incredibly intimidating but bracing at the same time.

[@theseagull-36]

It probably helped that his character was scripted to win. But I agree TC went toe to toe with Jack Nicholson and more than held his own.

[@Silly81]

I’m glad Jaby recognized JT Walsh, such an underrated character actor who passed away too soon. Recommend Breakdown with Walsh and Kurt Russell.

[@Minion_of_Cthulhu]

@Silly81 Breakdown is fantastic! One of my favorite thrillers.

[@xenablossom4682]

@@Minion_of_Cthulhu Yeah, so underrated. Especially with the twist revealed near the end.

[@juliant]

It's not just that his order got a kid killed, it's that he lied about it, under oath no less. That's not the conduct becoming of any marine and tarnishes any record of good they might have. It would be a disgrace to himself, his family, his country, and God. No, for me there's no sidestepping the issue by conflating with service in the military overall. His actions were deplorable and he's an example of what military men should not be.

[@michaelhillmann3460]

I agree plus the Marines he ordered to do the dirty work he was throwing them under the bus.

[@ianjardine7324]

@@michaelhillmann3460 true the doctors incompetence caused Santiago's death but Jessop's willingness to sacrifice Dawson and Downey to avoid facing the consequences of his decision showed his lack of honour and compete unfitness to wear a uniform or be entrusted with the lives of men.

[@TheRebuilt1]

great reaction and i’m with her all the way on Jack Nicholson’ character

[@jamedraa8472]

So glad you stated this! I'm from a military family and what you say is true.

[@cg2642]

Agreed. Everything that Nicholson's character did off screen made him a cowardly weasel trying to cover his own hide. Not an honorable tough guy. He did everything he could to avoid responsibility. Sometimes people miss out on what tom Cruise's character is saying right before the "I want the truth!" Declaration, because he's screaming it and rushing it to talk over the judge and the prosecutor. "When it went bad, you cut these guys loose. You had Markinson sign the phony transfer order. You coerced the doctor. You doctored the log book." It bugs me that so many people still think Nicholson's character is such a badass. He's a cowardly slimy weasel who gave illegal orders, then committed perjury, witness intimidation, and evidence tampering to save himself

[@Artisjjj]

"The Truth, you can't handle the truth!" ... 😆... Classic line!

[@bigsarge8795]

I was in the service overseas when this came out. when Dawson shoves his hands in his pockets, the whole audience did an "ohhh shit"

[@fredrichardson3932]

J.T. Walsh, who plays Lieutenant Colonel Markinson, was one of the finest and most underrated actors in the history of cinematography. Watch the movie "Outbreak". He has a small but important part in that movie too. He plays the White House Chief of Staff. You really should watch that. That movie is also full of Academy Award Winners.

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

Good call, his small role in that was amazing. Another great cast with great performances.

[@krishna_KaraokeZone]

This movie hits the ground running from the very first frame and it doesn't stop or loses the momentum at any point of time until the final frame. What a movie!

[@Michael19863-p]

Do you agree that Tom Cruise is more famous than Tobin Bell?

[@krishna_KaraokeZone]

@@Michael19863-p I am afraid, I don't know anything about Tobin Bell.

[@Michael19863-p]

@@krishna_KaraokeZone It's fine, don't worry. Tom Cruise is way more famous. Some people said he is the most famous actor, that's why I asked.

[@krishna_KaraokeZone]

@@Michael19863-p Thanks 👍

[@scottbarkley496]

Greatest Courtroom drama EVER .. TOM CRUISE = LEGEND

[@AussieJimbo]

Jessup gave an unlawful order. No ifs, ands or buts about it. And no motivation justifies giving or following unlawful orders.

[@tank2045]

You were talking about the Air Force being more luxurious and it reminded me of this old joke ----------- Someone asked the question "what would you do if you found a scorpion in your tent?" to members of different branches of the military, and these are the responses he got. Army said, "I'd step on it." The Marine said, "I would crush it with the heel of my boot." The Ranger said, "I'd smash its head, cut off its tail and eat it." Then Air Force said, "I would call room service, tell them to take it away, then ask why there is a tent in my hotel room."

[@debbee0867]

This is one of my favourite films, and I personally think it is the best film Tom Cruise has done to date. The acting of both Tom and Jack Nicholson is outstanding.

[@countgeekula9143]

I adore this film. Saw it on original release and rewatch it a lot. Top to bottom brilliant.

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Regarding Caffey eating an apple, when I was in the Navy in the 80s and 90s, there was an infraction called "Casual on the Move" (or something like that), which meant you couldn't eat, smoke, or even chew gum while walking around in uniform. You had to stop, do it, finish it, then move on. So you couldn't (technically) walk around an office building eating an apple in uniform. There were officers and NCOs who LOVED gigging junior enlisted people for that. When I saw Caffey do this I knew what kind of officer he was.

[@Maya_Ruinz]

4:55 "They would never do that in the military" You are correct.. I don't care who you are, when you go before officers you don't know that out rank you, you make sure you are prepared. Same goes for any NCO you dont know, you always play it safe and show respect.

[@halfrightface]

For real 😆 They're not even close to being her peers either. She's an O-5 and they're O-2s

[@warrenbfeagins]

She nailed it. Millions of lives are YOUR responsibility. He's correct about your moral compass.

[@ryanclark6402]

1:31 I’ve long said that the three greatest modern writers of dialogue were Mamet, Sorkin, and Whedon. Alec Baldwin has two famous speeches from two of them, and Bradley Whitford has done another pair. Clark Gregg is the only actor I can think of who’s done all three. Anybody else?

[@linkloudenback8359]

This really works as a movie because of the movies “12 Angry Men” and “Full Metal Jacket”. With “12 Angry Men “ you got the gripping use of drama in a courtroom. With “Full Metal Jacket “ you get the fanatic training and mind set of the military. And of course the conflict of this training to some degree with the moral values of what is acceptable behavior of people.

[@JayStar-yj9pu]

It just occurred to me that Kendrick (K. Sutherland) did NOT perjure himself when asked if he gave Dawson and Downey an order to give a Code Red. He answered that he did not. Truth: He only ordered Dawson to cuz Downey wasn't in the room.

[@FeaturingRob]

- Wolfgang Bodison (Dawson) was not an actor. He was originally a production scout for Castle Rock and Rob Reiner. When Reiner couldn't find Dawson, he asked Bodison to read, and he knocked it out of the park. - This was originally a Broadway play and Kaffee was played by Tom Hulce (Mozart in Amadeus) and Jessup was played by Stephen Lang (Quaritch in Avatar). David Brown (producer of Jaws) originally bought the rights for the play wanting to immediately adapt it for the screen, but Sorkin held firm on a stage production. Brown produced both. - The story was based on a real event, because he learned the broadstrokes of a very similar case that his sister (who was a JAG officer at the time) was working on. He changed things to protect the real people, but the story was based on a real case. He was working as a bartender in Broadway theaters while he was writing it. - You might not have recognised him, but Dr. Stone in the court is Christopher Guest, who was in Princess Bride (Count Rugen, the Six-Fingered Man) and helped write and starred in This Is Spinal Tap (he was Nigel Tuftnel) both directed by Reiner,. He's also married to Jamie Lee Curtis, and...seriously...a member of the British peerage. He is the hereditary 5th Baron of Haden-Guest, and was a member of the House of Lords, until a piece of legislation basically removed him (and others) from their seats.

[@studiovue]

Holy shit - that's Christopher Guest! I was trying to figure out where I knew him from!

[@rexxbailey2764]

AND HE IS ALSO A BONAFIDE REPTILIAN😌☝ 👍

[@YODAJJ]

11:29 both your faces at that moment 😂😂 it’s like you’re looking into the sun lol

[@goldboy150]

The missing element of the Jessup situation is that when Santiago died and his two marines got arrested and charged with his murder, he not only made no attempt to take responsibility for what happened, thereby allaying if not all, then at least some of the heat on the two marines - he actively covered up all evidence of any involvement he or his officers had in the making of the order. He essentially was happy to let two of his marines get life in prison in order to not have to take responsibility for his and his officers actions. There is no honour in that whatsoever.

[@paulnolasco2831]

I wish you all would watch boogie nights and magnolia. Both Paul Thomas Anderson movies...character acting in those are top notch

[@dipankarjoshi3828]

Tom Cruise as dramatic actor is surely peak. His filmography is flawless. Biggest moviestar ever😊

[@BuccWylde]

Ex military here. Yes, command structure is necessary and integral to military objectives...that said, any high ranking officer in charge of any number of personnel will tell you that the military wants disciplined troops who can think in tough situations but they also don't want robots. There is absolutely nothing wrong with refusing a morally or ethically bad order. This was a unlawful order and one that was lied about and covered up to boot. There will always be consequences for a person issuing an unlawful order to a subordinate. This film is from '92 when hazing, (albeit rare) still occasionally occurred in some military units. Today, those practices have been virtually erased and is tremendously discouraged by the highest levels of command and have actually been for quite a number of yrs now.

[@Alnivol666]

They are more busy in getting all sorts of freaks in the military nowadays.

[@MrAshwinChauhan]

'You can't handle' how good this is !

[@shonix9]

Great acting by Jaby because I don't believe for a second that you hadn't watched this movie 😂😂😂

[@bigsarge8795]

The fact that Jack Nicholson only has 3 Oscars is an absolute crime.

[@isuriadireja91]

He definitely should've won for THIS. No one today's still talking bout Hackman's performance in Unforgiven. Jack's Jessup isn't only one of the most quotable..he's one of the most iconic movie characters.

[@iuiijh]

How about Pacino's only Oscar todate?

[@bigsarge8795]

@@iuiijh Only one Oscar. He won for the 1992 movie Scent of a Woman

[@isuriadireja91]

@@iuiijh the Oscars Fd it up when they didn't pick him for The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon..or Godfather II.

[@DarthVader-ig6ci]

Also, Peter O'Toole has ZERO Oscars even though he got nominated 8 times

[@she_who_dares9713]

Oh man. I absolutely love, love this film. I miss movies like this

[@capstan50g]

Jessup's crime wasn't being responsible for the death of Santiago; it was obstruction of justice by perjuring himself and falsifying evidence afterward. He wasn't honorable enough to accept the consequences of his orders, which also makes him guilty of conduct unbecoming of a Marine. One thing I missed from this reaction: I came away unsure of whether Jaby likes Aaron Sorkin. :P

[@tashrif46]

26:17 Tom Cruise is intense and I loved every minute of it.

[@TetsuoVI]

If you like Sorkin so much, give "The Newsroom" a try. It's only 3 seasons. Great writing, great cinematography, great on screen chemistry.

[@OldLadyReacts]

I'm jealous of you guys getting to see this movie for the first time! I wish I could too, bit I've seen it so many times now.

[@buddinganarchist]

Major General Smedley Butler wrote a book called War is a Racket!

[@freudsigmund72]

When I joined the airforce in my country, in the officers training this movie was mandatory as part of the course to explain an unlawful order must be refused.

[@samurai-supreme]

Excellent movie to react to! Another great one of Tom Cruise where he plays a hitman is "Collateral" with Jamie Foxx! Directed by Michael Mann. PS. This watchalong is not up on Patreon yet.

[@michaelriddick7116]

Collateral is FANTASTIC!!

[@AdityaKaul-dm8fk]

HOW has Jaby been in the movie business for as long as he has and not watched the movie they literally reference at film and drama school? Also, regarding Kristen's point, I could have sided with her point on Jessup trying to train his personnel, but leadership means you own up when it goes bad. He tried to railroad 2 junior men in his command to save his own backside when the execution of his orders went sideways. That's why he's just a slimeball hiding behind the honor and duty tag. "Never make your men do what you wouldn't be willing to do yourself", "no man left behind" etc, there are many military leadership principles he's trampling on.

[@blueroninstudios]

It would be okay to sympathize with Jessup if Jessuo was written as a character who felt guilty about his actions killing a man, owned up to it, confessed, and then was led away. But that would have made him a really boring antagonist. Jessup is a chain-smoking, womanizing narcissistic a-hole who cares more about career advancement than he does his junior officers. Love Kristen, but I disagree with her feeling sorry for Jessup, he's definitely not the kind of character you feel that way for if he's that messed up and arrogant. Yeah, he does want respect for his being a military "hero" or a person that does put his life on the line for his country and the safety of his nation - that I can respect, but I don't care if you're the President of the United States, if you're a racist, womanizing narcissist who doesnt care about anyone buyt your career advancments and you step over other people to do it - I have no compunction to feel sorry for someone like that, especially if they're not even self-aware enough to even fathom they did anything wrong or unlawful. Jessup got what he absolutely deserved in a court of law, and i feel no remorse for him at all. Also, Jack Nicholson - as always - played the hell out of this role!

[@cg2642]

@@blueroninstudios I, a veteran, agree. I heard several people I served with say they would like to serve under an officer like that. They had totally fallen for the swagger. I had to remind them that he gave an order he knew was illegal, then threw the men he gave it to under the bus to save himself. Not exactly the type of leader you want since you might be the next one he throws in front of the bus to save himself. Every single thing jessup talked about in his testimony and his "you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall," monologue he betrayed. He keeps talking about honor, and codes, and loyalty, and putting your life in someone's hand and asking him to do the same. He betrayed every single thing he said he stood for. So many people miss that. Yes, everything he said he stood for sounds great, and he betrayed all of it to avoid responsibility and save himself. That's why he is such a villain.

[@AdityaKaul-dm8fk]

​@@blueroninstudios A sympathetic military leader villain would be General Hummel from The Rock. He was similarly misguided and caused a lot of harm but he was motivated by honorable intentions and in the end accepted his part in the disaster and remained true to his principles.

[@Kbinger06]

Forget even the fact that it's COWARDLY and UNBECOMING to act that way toward the men you're responsible for disciplining...That doesn't have to be the only Clear Cut Reason to be held accountable?!...Man was murdered, because an Order wasn't carried out right... You're Still an Accessory to MURDER of one of your own, That tried to make it Hush Hush.🙄😒 So it Doesn't have to be, "Oh he threw two men he ordered to do the hazing under the bus and lied about it when he took an oath"...To Know That It was Immoral and Unjust and A CRIME. Case Closed.

[@conrade0404]

I agree and he doesnt feel bad for the kid at all smh, while you may feel like im grotesque, my actions saved lives. He was glad he was dead or at least not sorry. smh, you had him killed smh.

[@helifanodobezanozi7689]

While there were many truths in Col Jessup's monolog, many people miss the elephant in the room. As tuff as Jessup's talk was, when push came to shovel, he had NO INTEGRITY! His first instincts were to blame his underlinings and create a coverup rather than take personal responsibility for Santiago's death. He only admits to it because his ego is bruised.

[@thedarkknight2221]

I don’t care if Jessup was Patton himself, any military commander who treats the lives of their soldiers like he did should stripped of their rank, dishonorably discharged and if necessary locked behind bars. People like him are a cancer to the US military. And sadly there are still too men officers who don’t take the welfare of their soldiers seriously. There have been documented cases of soldiers who have died in training because they were pushed too hard, even if they had medical issues that should’ve kept them from doing anything too strenuous. And in many of those cases the commanders never face real punishment.

[@P4r4dIgmShIft]

"Tough love from a dad..." is all fair and square. Respecting the intentions and the things he experienced and demanding respect is all good. But he broke one very important rule. You have to take responsibility for your decisions and actions. And letting 2 somewhat innocent guys take the fall after your decisions led them to be involved in the whole tragic incident in the first place is clearly wrong and disgusting! Additionally his orders are clearly morally wrong.

[@andreas956]

Kristen had the best take. On how the military is different between its ares as well. I really loved Jack Nicholsons character. He of course didnt want the soldier to die, but he did what he did because he felt this is what is needed to protect the country.

[@8967Logan]

I always pose this question. In the final scene Dawson said their job as Marines is to fight for those that can't fight for themselves. That they should have fought for Willie. Wasn't Willie supposed to be a Marine? It's fine if he is not physically capable of doing the job, not everyone is, but then he shouldn't be a Marine. Sending him "their problem" to another unit would be wrong, but he should have been discharged if he was incapable of doing the job. Can you imagine the utter chaos and incompetence of a unit in battle if for every 3-5 Marines you had one that needed babysitters. That doesn't work, he needed to be gone, not dead, not babysat by two other Marines, but definitely gone.

[@mrbrightside2937]

Not all military units/platoons undergo the same training or require the same commitments. Santiago wasn't suited to this platoon so he begged for a transfer. You can still serve the military without having to be hardened. Maybe he wanted to serve by doing desk duty or other menial tasks and he should have been afforded that opportunity

[@EleventhCubFan]

YOU CANT HANDLE THIS REACTION!

[@eriksmith2514]

Have ever videoed a man, and asked him to video you?

[@timcarder2170]

My favourite part of all this, is the interviews with Jack Nicholson's costars and such, talking about how Jack was able to do the courtroom monologue exactly the same for every take. Including doing the lines off camera for the others coverages. ❤

[@Martonesdef]

I really appreciate that outro conversation.

[@MegaForrestgump]

One thing that everyone misses is that PFC William Santiago had impeccable penmanship. Oh, and where did Col. Jessup's tie go while he is being arrested?

[@greeneyesinfl9954]

As a Marine Corps Veteran, she is spot on about the mindset. The Marine Corps has a small budget and makes the best of it. Semper Fidelis!

[@s8150f]

Excellant discussion and explanation about Jack Nicholsons' character at the end.

[@fitzph33bs39]

The Air Force hasn’t said “Aim High” since 1987 LOL

[@nellgwenn]

The few, the proud, the Marines. Let's make it even fewer by engaging in hazing nonsense.

[@JuzTroublez]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kristen's nuanced view of the "bad guy". I don't think any reactor have taken a stance like her. She would be such a great friend to confide to.

[@wolfie35p]

Fantastic movie, with a huge all star cast, with one of the most Iconic lines in recent movie history..."you can't handle the truth" !!.

[@matthewlaird5235]

Instinct is a real thing. The more time you have experiencing life, the more you get used to the patterns. Then after enough time of experiencing the pattern of life, you start to get a feeling when the pattern is off.

[@Amiga500_User]

Recently rewatched this. Hasn't aged a bit. Fantastic movie!

[@NightWolfXVI]

Kristen have you ever heard the phrase “ The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” This movie represents that phrase literally.

[@SammyRenard]

Oh my god I'm so happy I'm not the only one who thought Tom Cruise channeled Jim Carey in this movie

[@ysmith494]

Another great Military Courtroom drama is, Rules of Engagement. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson & Tommy Lee Jones.

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

Jack Nicholson was outstanding in this! His scene made the movie!

[@paulymar5996]

Jessup's mistake was allowing Dawson and Downey to be charged without stepping up and saying, "I ordered the code red." Instead, he tried to cover it up to save his own ass and callously allowed his own two men to potentially go to prison for something he ordered them to do. That's poor leadership.

[@russellfernandes9607]

Jack Nicholson outshines all actors in this film.

[@Shazzadut1]

Jack Nicholson got $5 million for two weeks work on this. The courtroom performance was worth every cent. Not shown here, the scene in the bar room where Tom is listening to that lawyer bs from the guy at the bar, that is Aaron Sorkin the writer. In relation to following orders, in fact new recruits are taught that they must disobey illegal orders like this. That came from Nuremberg. I think Aaron Sorkin was a lawyer, which helps.

[@RushfanDave]

Your remarks about Jessup are on point. To go one step further, it wasn't the code red order, or even the accidental death, that dooms him. It is the coverup and the willingness to let two of his men take the fall. He forfeits any idea of honor at that point. I don't have any sympathy, empathy or respect for his character for that.

[@joshuacampbell7493]

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!

[@heavycritic9554]

13:07 Among all these powerhouses of the acting community, and the awesome lines/speeches, I feel this one gets lost too often. Wolfgang Bodison really did a great job as Dawson, and this is a damn good speech.

[@heavycritic9554]

@@clevelandcbi I've seen it, actually. 🙂 and it's good. Not a masterpiece, exactly, but definitely worth a watch.

[@philmullineaux5405]

Rob Reiner....directed some of the most eclectic works out there!

[@ray24051]

Probably one of the best movies from the 90s.

[@effortmsimelelo5059]

A classic masterpiece and Tom cruise got robbed for an Oscar especially early in his career best and 4th of july

[@markhellman-pn3hn]

Jack Nicholson was born for this part !!

[@totomomo18]

Great movie. You should see other legal dramas like Rainmaker 1997 or Civil Action . Also a great lawyer movie with Tom Cruz is The Firm. and Murder At First 1995 a movie based on true movie about injustice. Also Erin Brucvich is a great movie. Fyi I recently learned the real story that this movie is based on is very strange and shocking for one thing the Santiago character did not die. The Dawson character dies in a real strange way. Also a great boxing movie with the Downey (James Marshell) character is Gladiator 1992.

[@etxkevin7452]

10/10 film. All of these "law" movies are so good yet they don't make them anymore.

[@BlackStudies]

If you felt that strongly that he would would defend his actions before God, then Jessup should have faced the music and not let Dawson and Downey take the fall. Dawson and Downey were willing to go to jail because they thought they were right. Jessup should have been willing to do the same thing.

[@Rezman602]

KRISTEN STEPHENSONPINO - Hey, hey. The Air Force follows the same rules and regulations as the Marines, Navy and Army - UCMJ (The Uniform Code of Military Justice ) . What's this about the AF "Luxury" accommodations? Not everyone in the Air Force flies a plane or sleeps on a featherbed and not every serviceman is housed in military barracks. There are some really crappy remote bases/forts that house all of the branches in the worst kinds of conditions. I give nothing but love and respect to the other branches of the military. We all swear the same oath to protect and serve. "You do not have to wear a patch on your arm to have Honor". Or, be in the Marines. Following "Lawful" orders is expected, Following unlawful orders is your choice. You can be punished for following orders "blindly".

[@Vulcanerd]

I would love to see you guys do “12 Angry Men” if you guys haven’t seen it.

[@Silverstrands633]

It breaks your heart ! Another movie “Casualties of War”! With Sean Penn and Michael J Fox !! Another great wartime movie

[@captainofdunedain3993]

Jack Nicholson was too good!

[@fd009597]

The JAG capt Goes on the play Admiral AJ Cheddwiggen on TV show JAG...

[@rdyer8764]

In my opinion, one of CinePals' best reactions!

[@OgSleep]

This is the best court movie of all time. There has been nothing even close

[@willgenre]

I love Kristen's energy lol

[@R.J.Godzilla81]

Besides this I know Rob Reiner has directed This is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and (I think) Misery, beyond that I don’t know what else he’s directed

[@Rick-c5s]

Love your discussion. Sorry, I absolutely can't defend the defenseless... Code Red type behavior, like college hazings are reckless. Imagine your son or daughter volunteers for the service or chooses to go to college and ends up dying at the hands of overzealous leader types... Love you both, though and your healthy discussions... and the good writing tips... ❤

[@TheSocratesian]

There is a world of difference between a "Code Red" and college hazing.

[@chrisbruneau2156]

Kristen is right about the interservice rivalry!!!. I have a good friend who was a F-18 pilot in the USMC. I asked him once about "sully" --the famous pilot who landed a stricken jetliner in the Hudson river without one loss of life. his response: "not bad--for an air force puke"

[@gregleblanc9357]

Love this movie. I'll never get tired of it. Good choice for a reaction.

[@youmadbro7733]

As a marine, I 100% agree with Colonel Jessup. But then again, I 100% agreed with Thanos too so.….

[@krishna_KaraokeZone]

I don't think Col. Jessep deserved any sympathy. It is a difficult position, and he has to make tough decisions. However, as the person in such a position, he should stand by his decisions, even if they go wrong. But in this case, he tried to cover up, which is a crime. Taking difficult decisions is not a crime, covering up is and throwing someone else under the bus.

[@chrisguadalupe264]

this is the first time in my LIFE I've ever heard sympathy for the Jack character :/ wt actual f? LOL first time for everything lol

[@NHarts21]

This is an all-time favorite! So cool that you guys reacted to it! Jaby, practicing Catholic here! We miss you! 😃