Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Based on the CIA analyst created by espionage master Tom Clancy, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is a blistering action thriller that follows Ryan (Chris Pine, "Star Trek") from his quiet double-life as a veteran-

Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsThis is Not A Prequel, This Is A Reboot!!!

By Gaiking on January 16, 2014

Format: DVD

First, let me note that there are some spoilers in this review and let me state that it is a very good movie. However, when you see this movie, you will quickly note that the time here doesn't add up and this is more like a reboot of the series than a prequel and as soon as you see the movie, you will likely agree.

Again, I had the pleasure of being invited to this screening and I wasn't going to pass it up being one of the few movies that interests me at the present time.

ACTING

This is really a strong point for the movie!

Chris Pine (Star Trek Reboot) does a great job in the role of Jack Ryan and I'm glad the forgettable Ben Affleck only got one shot at the role (Only thing ladies, Chris Pine's less than perfect complexion shows up big time under these cameras).

Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Carribean) as Cathy was the most memorable iteration of the character in the series and they made a really good choice here.

Kevin Costner (JFK) plays the part of Thomas, the preceptor to Jack Ryan and in typical fashion, Kevin's cool, calm, and collected character works well as the seasoned vet for the CIA who never seems to panic in any situation.

Kenneth Branagh (Thor) plays the Russian Financier who appears to be the leader of a movement in the Russian underworld struggling to help bring Russia back to the center of the world at the expense of the United States, it becomes clear that he is only a piece of the puzzle as the movie progresses but, he does a convincing job as the main villain in the film.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Worthy entry into the Ryan series, but more of a reboot than a prequel

By Natalie W on January 24, 2014

Format: Blu-ray

I've been a fan of the Jack Ryan series (Both film and print) for several years and as someone who was really disappointed in The Sum of All Fears and Ben Affleck's turn as Jack, Shadow Recruit felt like a breath of fresh air to me.

Sure, it's not "The Greatest Movie Ever Made" and it won't win any awards, but it is a whole lot of fun.

Chris Pine does a very good job in the role of Jack.. When I first heard of this casting, I really didn't think too much of it, as it had been several years since I had first seen The Sum of All Fears and I completely erased any traces of Affleck's awful (my opinion) portrayal from my mind. I was pleasantly surprised by Pine. He reminded me a bit of Harrison Ford (Who is my favorite incarnation of Ryan) in Clear and Present Danger. Kevin Costner is pretty good as Tom Harper as well. I didn't really care for Keira Knightley as Cathy. but she was OK.

The script itself is pretty much standard action/suspense/thriller type material; so not fantastic and definitely better acted than it is written, but it entertains.

In all, I'd recommend Shadow Recruit to new Jack Ryan fans as well as longtime fans who are willing to keep an open mind and let the movie entertain.

3.0 out of 5 starsA Halfway Decent Reboot

By SciFi Man on January 20, 2014

Format: DVD

Shadow Recruit is a modern day reboot of the Jack Ryan stories which are based on Tom Clancy's books. If you're new to the world of Jack Ryan, then Shadow Recruit may be a halfway decent spy thriller. However, my first exposure to Jack Ryan was the 1990 film The Hunt for Red October (with Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin), and in comparison Shadow Recruit feels like a made-for-TV movie.

The film starts off strong, giving you a glimpse of past events that shape Ryan's life (which the older films don't do). From there, the story gets fast-paced and is full of intrigue, gun fights and car chases. Chris Pine does a good job playing the CIA analyst who's out of his element. The rest of the cast is stellar - Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh (who also directs). Costner is good as the grizzled CIA veteran. Branagh makes a compelling villain. While Knightley features prominently in this film, I thought her role was a step down for her considering all her previous roles. But ultimately, the film falls short. The actors' fine performances can't compensate for the run-of-the-mill story.

I assume this film just serves to build up the character of Jack Ryan for the inevitable sequels where bigger, better adventures await our hero. It's not a bad movie, but not great either. Watch it if you're a Chris Pine fan. But for the real Jack Ryan, check out The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger.