Rules of Engagement

Thin and superficial rendering of potentially potent material is disappointing considering the talent involved, and further hindered by a surprisingly static and plodding handling by Friedkin – he seems to think this has the weight of PRESUMED INNOCENT when it really requires the electricity of A FEW GOOD MEN, which leaves his actors stranded as they gamely and seriously deliver performances that may have worked better with a lighter touch; having said that, it’s always a joy to watch Jones and Jackson apart or together, and it’s a reminder of what a great line Pearce has in supercilious militarism; Greenwood has an opportunity to go full teeth gnashing, but he feels somewhat out-of-place – ditto Kingsley and Archer, who have a couple of good scenes, but seem embarrassingly surplus to requirements.