“Competent but not compelling” is not what you would expect to hear from one classic series, Jack Ryan.
Shadow Recruit is a 2014 American action thriller film directed by Kenneth Branagh. Branagh also stars in the film as Viktor Cherevin along with Star Trek’s Chris Pine as the title character. The film is the fifth in the series and serves as a reboot for the movie franchise of the same name. Shadow Recruit also co-stars Pirates of the Caribbean’s actress Keira Knightley and Man of Steel’s villain Kevin Costner in the roles Cathy Muller and Thomas Harper.
After a series of confusing flashbacks following 9/11, the audience is introduced to the film with the hero Ryan being rehabilitated from a helicopter crash before catching the attention of CIA operative and official Harper. Because of his education in economics and as an ex-Marine, Ryan is drafted as a covert analyst at a stock brokerage on Wall Street where he soon uncovers a Russian terrorist plot against the U.S.
Shadow Recruit is unique as the sequel primarily because it diverges from the source material, as it is not based on any one of Tom Clancy’s books. The movie is unique not only in that it’s set in modern times, but that it actually bases its primary theme as homage to the originals.
The film serves as a homage of sorts to the earlier films, but is set in the modern era. The Cold War between America and Russia is used as a backdrop during the course of the film as the recurring theme of Napoleon at Waterloo and how the characters are in a final battle for lives and country.
Despite the use of the Russians returning as arch-villains, Shadow Recruit does manage to constantly keep the audience’s attention as it contains a good bit of action, as the fighting scenes are crisp and well-timed. Pine once again shows us his action hero persona by punching, shooting and chasing his way through the streets of Russia and New York.
The characterization is also well done. At times, we can feel Cherervin’s pain as he sacrifices everything to avenge his sons. Even the final climactic scene between Branagh and Pine’s characters is different from most because they defeat the final bad guy without killing him, then race back to the states in order to stop his economic attack.
One issue that has been discussed by fans is the choice of Pine being cast into the title role of Jack Ryan. While Pine can hold his own during the various spectacularly done action scenes he is given, there are times when it felt like the actor feels overwhelmed by the role and shows his age, or lack there of, when working with other, more seasoned, veteran actors such as co-star and director Branagh. However, much like he did with Star Trek, Pine does manage to breathe new life into the franchise with his natural, youthful charm and charisma that brought him acclaimed attention in previous films.
The biggest problem with the film is the excessive use of over-the-top, fast-paced scenes that seem choppily edited together. This is demonstrated by the film jumping from one scene to the next, leaving viewers unable to follow what’s going on. The best example of this is in the beginning of the film when Ryan’s helicopter was shot down and there was no indication of how much time passed between being treated to being recruited to the CIA. It’s also thanks in part to this fast-paced style that it was hard to follow just when Pine and Knightley’s characters had gotten together. One moment Pine left the hospital and in the next moment, they were engaged.
So my final verdict is that Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is worth the price of admission. Despite its status as a reboot and its incorporation of choppily cut scenes, the film has managed to gross $100 million since its opening weekend and despite its flaws does manage to keep the audiences engaged throughout. If you’re a fan of the late Tom Clancy’s work or you just like to turn off your brain and watch a movie with a bag of popcorn, then Shadow Recruit is definitely for you.
