super-charged performances= a standout film

Rating: Null/10 (25 February 2001)

I knew "Rules Of Engagement" was special because it had everything I could possibly ask for.
"Rules Of Engagement" is a powerful film with strong performances from a very talented cast from Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson to Guy Pearce and Bruce Greenwood. Together these four actors combine to create one of the finest ensemble casts to come to screen in a very long time. These are four actors who seemed to play their part naturally. Their performances took me away into their world and I felt I was alongside them.

From the opening scene William Friedkin got me interested with a flashback to the Vietnam War incident that played a pivotal part of the film and continued throughout with excellent dialogue and realistic plots. I knew how special "Rules Of Engagement was; however, I didn't realize how special it ended up to be. The courtroom scenes were the best scenes in the movie and among the best I've seen on television or film. The fierce battle between Jones and Pearce was phenomenal.
"Rules Of Engagement" contains similar elements as "Courage Under Fire" and "A Few Good Men." The best part about this film was the way Friedkin combined these similarities, added new stuff and took it a step further to make "Rules Of Engagement" engaging, entertaining and involving.

"Rules Of Engagement" is character driven and extremely powerful. Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson turned in oscar worthy performances and William Friedkin has directed a textbook film. "Rules Of Engagement" is a true testament to how movies should be made. Two thumbs way up.