The Firm (1993)
While this has some cheesy 90s style drawbacks, it is still one heck of a well structured thriller. Cruise is bringing his A game playing both very nervous and confident, and he is surrounded by a stellar cast of the time. Ed Harris is great as the tough FBI man, lovely Jeanne Tripplehorn whom I think Hollywood has shamelessly overlooked, Holly Hunter is great as well as the “partner in crime” so to speak, Gary Busey has a smaller but great role and of course Gene Hackman is amazing in his complex multi faceted role of the lawfirm partner.
I did think the script a bit too often withheld information from the viewer just because it was plot convenient, but admittedly it is pretty effective. The infidelity subplot could have been handled better, but I guess that was just how it was and it got the setup working. Not a perfect film as I think Cruise is still missing the last 2% at this point in his career, but he was absolutely getting there.
Rating: 3.5