The Jack Ryan franchise has never really existed in the same tier as Bond, or even Borne for that matter, and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit movie proves it. While not bad by any means, there was nothing spectacular about the plot or writing that would set this adventure apart from his other ones. That and the fact that this was made with yet another actor in the Jack Ryan role (Hunt for Red October) makes it a techno spy-thriller in the most generic sense.
What does save the film this time is the direction and acting. Seriously, the story is the most predictable ever...you know whats going to happen. But luckily Kenneth Branagh infects it with just enough style to get your heart racing. Chris Pine plays an almost humble and shy character as the new recruit into the CIA's most undercover organization. This big change from the cocky energy filled Captain Kirk is worth the view alone. Luckily, we also have Keira Knightley in her most human role to date as the noncommittal fiance and Kenneth Branagh who can do a villain almost as well as Shakespeare. Kevin Costner does...well, Kevin Costner.
In all it was a good attempt at invigorating a character that the late Tom Clancy pulled through his novels with such care. I was glad to see a lot of Russia in the movie and the accents were actually tolerable! It does make me wonder what it could have been with a plot and script to match the actors.
Final Consensus:
See it now!!!!
See it in theaters!!!
Rent it on DVD/BluRay!!
Wait for it on TV!
Don’t Bother
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