THE FIRM (1993)

Law student Tom Cruise is a big ol’ dummy.  He might be smart enough to graduate from Harvard Law School, but he must have just got off last night’s bus from Stupidsville when he decided to take a job at an evil law firm populated by “all white, all male, all married” nerds who look like they just stepped out of THE STEPFORD WIVES.  Things go peachy for a few days, but then before you can say “I wish a hyped-up black church choir would cover Boston’s ‘Let Me Take You Home Tonight’.” ol’ Tommy Cruise is running super fast all over the joint, sweatin’ up a storm, with none other than a long-haired, albino Jigsaw economically jogging behind him with a surprisingly smooth gait.

I’m by no means an expert (on anything) on legal thrillers from the 1990’s, but THE FIRM seemed fine to me.  The 154-minute runtime passed by quickly enough and I was entertained from beginning to end.  Also, the cast was very impressive!  If I had to make some complaints, it would be that the evil law firm wasn’t evil enough.  Also, the Memphis setting was dull and unattractive to look at.  And that piano-heavy soundtrack!  Oh my god, I love the piano, but that was too goddamn much!

Overall, THE FIRM is too safe for its own good, but still watchable thanks to an outstanding cast.

COPYCAT (1995)

There's a new serial killer in town.  Except that's he's the same as the old serial killers.  Say wut?  That's right, it's a copycat.  Meow!  After respected criminal psychologist Sigourney Weaver falls victim to a failed attack by a deranged murderer she goes into seclusion (and he goes to prison), but the appearance of this new killer and the local police's complete failure of an investigation cause her to reach out to help.  But it's gonna be a challenge cause he's definitely done his homework.

COPYCAT fell into obscurity compared to other serial killer movies of the 90's (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, NATURAL BORN KILLERS, SEVEN), but it's still a good film.  It might not have the same unique flair that those films, but with an impressive cast, fast pace,serial killer references,  solid acting, nostalgic 90's technology, a fun story and crazy hacker skillz.  I enjoyed it.  Although I was sad that we never got a good look at Sigourney's squirrel cover.