Jack Ryan returns, or begins, in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. This time Chris Pine takes the Ryan driver’s seat, when we get a glimpse at the very beginning of the CIA analyst. After a quick look back to college years, and a horrific accident, Ryan is now thrown into an operation led by Kevin Costner to stop a terrorist attack on America. Same old song and dance, but it never seems to get old.
I rather enjoyed Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. The story keeps you engaged once the initial story kicks into gear. Pine captures that naive character that is Jack Ryan, because he is no Bond, nor is he an Ethan Hunt. He is an analyst that gets thrown in a crazy story of international espionage, and he holds his own…barely. Kevin Costner plays all Kevin Costner with his character. He is definitely made a comeback by kicking some ass, right behind Liam Neeson. Keira Knightly seemed like she was going to have no relevance to the story, but she actually did play a key role within it. She also spoke with an American accent, which my ears didn’t like at first, but halfway through the movie, I grew a boner crush on her. The director, Kenneth Branagh, also acts as the villain, bent on destroying America’s economy. He has a stare that he uses, that would even shoot a tingle down Batman’s back. Overall, he did a good job with his part as well.
Where the movie doesn’t really work, is the opening act. When they try to establish the Jack Ryan character, they do so, but very quickly. It spans about 13 years, that they fit within about 7 minutes. I feel it wasn’t needed, but at least the initial story made up for.
So if you are a fan of the Jack Ryan films, as well as international spy movies, you should enjoy Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Check out my video review below, to hear the words I have to say. If you did see the movie, let me know your thoughts about, Also make mention of which Jack Ryan movie is your favorite.