Unconvincing evidence

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2003)

Good things first: Rules of Engagement has some great acting by Jones, Jackson, Kingsley & co and the production values are great. The conflict scene in the beginning is quite exciting. However, just like Tommy Lee Jones' character, this film tries to make a case. An extremely weak case. Rules of Engagement sets out to make a point about the overseas actions of the US military, and the treatment it gets from the public and the White House. It shows us an imaginary case of Marines getting into a situation where they have NO CHOICE but to kill 80 men, women and children. Unfortunately this example case bears no resemblance to any alleged US war crimes, like My Lai, and is therefore absolutely pointless.
Also, with the mouth of Samuel Jackson, we are told that the US soldiers are "orphans". They get no support from the government, instead the White House charges military commanders with murder when anything goes wrong. Well...judging from the news, quite the opposite is true.
This film leaves us with one burning question: what on earth was William Friedkin thinking?