"Rules of Engagement" -- Tommy Lee Jones Exonerates Mild Courtroom Drama by Homer Yen (c) 1999
"Rules of Engagement" is a film that starts off promisingly as a drama that combines the elements of friendship, honor, sacrifice and conspiracy. But just when it seems that the power of the film is about to be unleashed, the movie somehow implodes. It switches gears in the latter half of the film and becomes a debate about military ethics and codes of conduct, ultimately degenerating into a formulaic military courtroom drama. We know that at some point during the trial, the accused will slam the podium in front of him in disgust, stand up, and let forth a roar that sounds conspicuously like "you can't handle the truth."
The film begins with an intense and well-executed Vietnam-era battle sequence that introduces us to Childers (Samuel L. Jackson) and Hodges (Tommy Lee Jones), two soldiers in the same unit that become lifelong friends. This battle results in heavy casualties, though these two are lucky enough to survive. Hodges finishes out his military career as a mildly successful lawyer. Childers, however, has continued to serve his country admirably through several dangerous conflicts, and is now a highly decorated Colonel.
The courtroom sequence that I mention above occurs as a result of the actions taken by Childress. He and his troop are sent on a difficult mission to protect a foreign embassy and its diplomat (Ben Kingsley) from an unruly mob. At the scene, rocks are being thrown, bullets are being shot, and firebombs are being ignited. The situation is getting ugly. Childers' men are coming under fire that causes him to issue a questionable order. This has dire ramifications for him and for our country. To quell the international furor that has arisen, a conspiracy begins to rear its ugly head. As a result, Childress will be court-martialed and may face a long prison sentence.
Childress asks Hodges to defend him. At first reluctant, Hodges says, "I'm good enough to know that you need someone better than me." But it's hard for him to refuse his lifelong friend. He works quickly to gather evidence, to interview witnesses, and to determine the fate of videotape that may exonerate him.
Once the story moved inside the courtroom, however, the momentum generated begins to dissipate. This is not the fault of Jones and Jackson, who are two very talented actors. But there is nothing less satisfying than watching a couple of attorneys question and cross-examine a slew of witnesses as they try to convince a jury that their particular case is the one to believe. Even worse, there are many missed opportunities that could have been effectively used. For example, the diplomat gives false testimony to make himself look better. His wife (Anne Archer) knows that he's lying. We are teased with the possibility that this will lead to something dramatic. But it never happens.
Despite the fact that "Rules of Engagement" loses much of its momentum during the trial phase, there were still enough positive points to recommend this offering. It starts off as a taut and suspenseful film. Good points about combat ethics and actions under fire are brought up. Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson bring wit and energy to their roles. There is also an undeniable pleasure derived from watching the gritty Jones defend his friend against the tenacious government prosecutor (Guy Pearce). But given the ethical quandaries that the film brings forth, the film's resolution was too quick and easy. There seems to be a message that is trying to be sent. The film is unconvincing in its ability to deliver it.
Grade: B-
S: 0 out of 3 L: 2 out of 3 V: 2 out of 3
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