Jack Ryan is something of a reboot/prequel to the classic spy movies based on the novels of Tom Clancy and his famous protagonist Jack Ryan. This is a fun no-frills spy thriller with some sleek action scenes and chases and a solid story. The acting is also good with Kenneth Branagh a stand out as a slimy Russian baddie. Branagh also directed and has become quite the accomplished director as well as a tremendous actor. Chris Pine (toning down the smarm from his James T Kirk role in the new Star Trek movies) stars as Ryan. He’s an idealistic young man who is recruited by the CIA and discovers a terrorist plot from Russia to take down the US economy and destroy the dollar. Shades of the cold war (and classic 80s right wing action movies) are present in making Russia the villain. It’s not as far-fetched as it may seem considering our current real life tense relationship with Russia and their leader Vladimir Putin. Ryan must race against the clock to prevent the terrorist attack and save our economy from collapse.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is a solid action movie and a breath of fresh air during the dead winter box office months. It could have easily been released during the summer blockbuster movie season. Pine and Branagh make an effective hero/villain team and the visuals are sleek and slick. The pacing moves along at a rapid clip and makes the movie a pleasure to watch. The movie won’t win any awards, but it could be just the antidote to the bland, often terrible movies that play during the blustery winter months.
Grade: B+
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