Though I've never read a Tom Clancy novel nor have I seen any of the previous incarnations of this character on screen whether it was by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, or even Ben Affleck in The Sum of All Fears I'm always game for an espionage thriller and this looks to fill that quota this year quite nicely. While last year I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed the gritty, back to basics approach of Jack Reacher and while Ryan seems to have taken a more flashy, Daniel Craig-ish Bond approach to the globe trotting the cast is more than appealing and Kenneth Branagh is at the helm which lends this project more credibility than I would have granted it otherwise. Branagh stepped into large-scale, blockbuster filmmaking with his last effort, Thor, and was able to turn what is arguably the most outlandish of the Marvel superheroes into a certifiable hit and a film that is almost universally liked. I appreciate the fact Paramount took Branagh on his good will from that film and gave him a shot at directing what could have easily been a throwaway chance to capitalize on a recognizable name as nothing more than a cash grab. As for the actual trailer, as I said it looks slightly new-age Bond mixed with some Jason Bourne-like stylings, but what doesn't these days? Chris Pine looks to be his typically charismatic self if not a little more humble and reserved than his Kirk interpretation while his supporting cast featuring Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley and the director himself as the baddie make this a teaser that delivers on its purpose. As of right now Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is scheduled to open in theaters on Christmas Day, but could change to early 2014.
Synopsis: Based on the character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, “Jack Ryan” is a global action thriller set in the present day. This original story follow a young Jack (Chris Pine) as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.
The story follows him from 9/11, through his tour of duty in Afghanistan, which scarred him forever, and into his early days in the Financial Intelligence Unit of the modern CIA where he becomes an analyst, under the guardianship of his handler, Harper (Kevin Costner). When Ryan believes he’s uncovered a Russian plot to collapse the United States economy, he goes from being an analyst to becoming a spy and must fight to save his own life and those of countless others, while also trying to protect the thing that’s more important to him than anything, his relationship with his fiancée Cathy (Keira Knightley).
Surprisingly, it looks pretty good. I hope we get it on Christmas Day, but if not, I wouldn't mind getting it a bit later.
ReplyDelete