Rules of Engagement Review

In Vietnam, Terry Childers, (Samuel L. Jackson), killed an unarmed prisoner to save the life of Hays Hodges, (Tommy Lee Jones). Years later, Col. Childers is charged with ordering his men to open fire on unarmed civilians, including women and children, during the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Yemen - he calls on his old buddy Hays to defend what seems like an indefensible action... William Friedkin`s film is a politically conservative but at the same time muscular military court martial melodrama, with solid performances and an intriguing plot. Though it doesn`t mention President Clinton by name, his photo appears prominently in some scenes - the real villain of the piece is his National Security Advisor, played by Bruce Greenwood, who is more concerned about America`s international image than about backing up his officers in the field. Arabs make convenient scapegoats, and, once again, arabs are demonised in a pretty superficial narrative. Emerging with credit is Guy Pearce as the young, ambitious prosecutor. Rules Of Engagement is never boring, but it isn`t particularly distinguished either.Margaret`s Comments: This posturing, contrived story has great chunks of unrealistic action and logic so that right from the start it undermines its chances of winning over audiences. In the tradition of great military trial movies this one is a no-brainer despite the presence of such strong performers as Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones and Guy Pearce. And from a director as seasoned as William Friedkin even the staging of some of the action scenes seems awkward and unconvincing. Add to the mix a fizzer of a climax and there`s not a lot to enthuse about.