Critic Reviews

The drama ultimately retreats to safer, duller, more illogical, and more reactionary impulses and stereotypes.

But the single most compelling performance may belong to Australian actor Guy Pearce.

Worth it, though, for the conviction and ramrod-erect bearing that pros Jackson and Jones bring to their roles.

Friedkin turns on the juice and Jones and Jackson let it rip.

Works splendidly as a courtroom thriller about military values as long as you don't expect it to seriously consider those values.

The setup doesn't make sense from the get-go.

As mechanical and predictable as a cuckoo clock, it shouldn't work half as well as it does.

Friedkin does a superb job of serving up the well-appointed script by James Webb and Stephen Gaghan.

Jones even manages to save this somewhat tiring film.

Passable, moderately diverting dramatic entertainment.