The Firm [VHS] [1993]

However what they didn't expect was an offer from a smaller law firm, from Memphis, called Bendini, Lambert and Locke. They want Mitch more than anyone, and they claim they will beat any offer made, somehow they already know what his best offer is. Mitch and Abbey are invited down to Memphis for the weekend, all expenses paid, to have a look around the town and also to attend a party and meet the other partners of the firm.
It is here that things begin to seem a little odd, some things just don't fit, why exactly is it that, "the firm encourages children" and "while not forbidding the wives to work, the firm does not necessarily think it appropriate".
However, Mitch is won over, and it's not long before he and Abbey are heading south to their new house, white picket fence included, with a BMW in the driveway.

The firm immediately begins to swamp Mitch with work for the bar exam whilst introducing him to his unorthodox mentor, Avery. (Gene Hackman) Abbey is also kept busy with renovations for their new house, and gets to meet some of the other wives of partners in the firm.
However just as he's settling in Mitch is approached by an FBI agent (Ed Harris) who informs him that no one has ever left his firm alive! Some have tried, but all have ended up dead. Mitch's new employers are no ordinary law firm, unbeknown to Mitch he has just bought into a life in the mafia, whether he likes it or not.

His only way out is to steal files and hand them over to the feds, thus exposing the corruption. However in doing this not only will he be disbarred for breach of the lawyer client privilege, but he will also have a mafia contract on his life, and be forced to go on the run with the witness protection program.

Mitch has a decision to make.

This film, though different from the book in many respects is a very good adaptation matching the book stride for stride in many respects, however the last portion of the film bares little resemblance to the book, having a totally different ending. However that's Holywood for you, and to match a book exactly on the big screen is to make a film lasting many, many hours, as would be the case in all instances.

Personally I think the film was very good. It was enjoyable, provided some great scenes, good acting, tense moments and thrills and twists that keep the viewer interested and on the edge of their seat from the very start right through to the end.

Despite the lack of special features, this DVD is a worthy addition to any collection.

The movie involves the viewer from the very first moment. Tom Cruise is convincing as Mitchell McDeere; a young, bright and naive Harvard law graduate, jumping from one job interview to another. There is no doubt that every law firm wants him, but does he choose the right one?

From the opening moments, there is an air of unease and "thats too good to be true!" As the movie progresses, Mitch becomes suspicious of the nature of the company he has chose to work for.

The performances are good. Apart from Tom Cruise, there is a great performance from Gene Hackman as the experienced old hand at 'The Firm'. The film is a satisfying experience, with just the right amount of suspence and edginess to keep the viewer hooked till the last moment. Check it out!