Why Chris Pine's Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Is Worth Another Look
Jack Ryan is a strange film franchise. Four actors have occupied the role since Alec Baldwin debuted the character in 1989’s The Hunt For Red October, each bringing a different energy to the idealistic CIA analyst caught in over his head. Tom Clancy’s novels are essential dad-core action/espionage romps that continue to be bestsellers, and the lack of consistency between films makes the series a novelty.
Pine’s interpretation of the character retains a refreshing earnestness that is rare among modern action heroes. Although Shadow Recruit positions Jack as a trained military man, Pine’s naivete as he’s thrust into the espionage world retains the everyman spirit that is essential to the character. Following his first encounter with Nonso Anozie’s assassin, Ryan debriefs with his CIA mentor Thomas Harper and reflects on this moment of violence.
Cathy’s characterization is less than ideal; Knightley is saddled with a tropey “supportive nurse” character who's tasked with rehabilitating Ryan after a traumatic wartime injury. Of course, she subsequently falls in love with him. The idea that Cathy would follow Jack to Moscow just to see if he’s being unfaithful feels particularly dated, but Knightley has a lot of fun with the role once she’s placed directly in the action.
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