The Firm – Review

A cool and snowy day at Harvard Law School is brimming with student activity as scores are posted and Mich McDeere (Cruise) shuffles from interview to interview, Multiple companies are competing for his time as he is finishing in the top of his class. With his Harvard law degree, natural ability, and uncanny ambition, he can do whatever he wants and choose the right law firm. Or so they say.

Then he meets senior partners from Bendini, Lambert & Locke. Oliver Lambert (Holbook) and Royce McKnight (Hardin) are there from the small firm in Memphis, TN. They may be lesser sized than New York players, but they act like a large family. Their offer includes a bonus schedule, and other perks, but the amount is sealed in an envelope. It is a good amount higher than any other offer, as they want him specifically and see him as a shooting star that will fit their culture well.

$Ca-Ching$ So, Memphis it is then. But, first Chinese food, wine, flowers, his wife and celebrations. Abby (Tripplehorn) is convinced by his salary, but smartly does ask “why” very briefly before fully moving on. The couple is heading south. Money talks, and $96K a year in Tennessee is like six figures in New York dollars.

As The Firm begins, it sets the ground for a very solid legal thriller which covers plenty of ground story wise, and has a long runtime to match. The cast is very good from front to back, and they mostly get ample screen time to shine as stars. The story starts slowly but has hints of an underlying mystery along with Mitch moving towards success, money, stability, family, and everything he has always wanted. Will his career take him to the greatest heights, or is something else going on? There are enough thrills in the story to keep The Firm steadily moving forward, so give this “family” a shot.

I have not read a single John Grisham book, but since I like virtually all of the movies, I would imagine they are pretty solid.