June 30, 1993 -- ``The Firm'' is not your typical Hollywood movie. For one thing, it's not a standard formula film. For another, it's not written for dummies and it actually rewards the intelligent viewer with some surprises.

Tom Cruise does his usual good job in the lead as a naive lawyer just out of Harvard Law School and Jeanne Tripplehorn is marvelous as his wife. Gene Hackman is terrific as a corrupt lawyer who is both tough and vulnerable. Holly Hunter, Ed Harris and David Strathairn also turn in solid performances.

There are several other fine acting jobs in addition to the ones mentioned above and the dialogue is exceptionally well written. The cinemaphotography by John Seale is top notch and the editing is razor sharp. Director-producer Sydney Pollack keeps the suspense at a high level throughout the film and the pacing is near perfect.

While the film does not fit into a single category, part of it is similar to caper films like ``Sneakers,'' only it is much better than that. The plot has Cruise trapped between government agents who want him to give them the secrets of his corrupt law firm, the ruthless killers in the firm itself and its Mafia clients. Cruise must figure out a way to outsmart all three parties, protect his family, stay alive and keep his livelihood at the same time.

A little of the film's edge is taken off by the fact that once it turns into a caper story, you know about how its going to come out in the end. Still, it is non-threatening fun, and it is a much better crafted film than what passes for Academy Award Best Picture nomination material these days. The film rates an A.

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