Review of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014) by Kyle H — 23 Jun 2014

Accomplished screenwriter Steven Zaillian produces a script that effectively breaks from many spy-movie genre conventions with JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. Zaillian teams with director Kenneth Branagh, whose sleek technique is enough to keep the pace at an escalating rate and who can easily glide from scene to scene with his masterful transitions.

The one genre convention that stood in the way of what could have been one of the most accomplished spy thrillers of the decade was the fact there is never really any danger to leading characters. With the knowledge that everyone gets off scott-free, the suspense can be severely lacking in crucial moments.

Of course, it's nice to know that the main characters will usually prevail in the end; but it seems like there are more interesting character obstacles than life-threatening situations (trying a person's humanity or relationships or something like that, perhaps).

Even so, JACK RYAN is still thrilling and easily entertaining due to the smart writing, including some very intense character dialog. As far as the acting goes: everything is adequate. Chris Pine is always just Chris Pine - same voice, same hair, same mannerisms.

.. Chris Pine always does action-adventure-y things, though, so his casting was somewhat suitable. Keira Knightley seemed a bit out of her element, unfortunately. On the other hand, Kevin Costner's strong and mysterious CIA agent who slowly reveals his regrets and vulnerabilities is very compelling.

Director Kenneth Branagh also took it upon himself to play the villain - a Russian terrorist who is desperate to leave a legacy and who yet fears that his vices will stand in his way. Costner and Branagh steal the show! Ultimately, JACK RYAN cannot rise above certain story restraints, but the writing and direction do almost enough to make us forget that we already know how the story will end.