MOVIE REVIEW: Newest spy thriller may need more recruiting–Grade B
Movie audiences love a good spy thriller. “The Recruit” tries to fill the requirements while adding a bit of a twist and it almost completes its mission without flaws.
In this maze of deceit of who to trust and who not to, this is a solid film, with some glitches.
Let’s start with the short comings. That seems like as good as place as any.
Some may say the speed at which you get into the heart of the movie is steady and patient, I say it was just plain slow. I think the whole setup and “building” could have been done in half the time, leaving more time to play with the who’s-crossing-who‚ and who-is-the-double agent threads.
Also, though Al Pacino is strong as always, this is nothing new for him. It is too bad so many good actors don’t take chances any more. This is a classic case of just that.
The end seemed a bit rushed for me, too. I wanted to see the psychological aspects played out a bit more. It was the perfect opportunity to really delve into the minds of some sick folks and we don’t get to see that at all.
So enough about that, what was good?
Well, even though I said Pacino didn’t offer anything new, he was still very good. He commits himself to a character well and he does it again here. Colin Farrell, most recently seen in “Minority Report” seems to be coming into his own in Hollywood. He has graduated from the supporting roles to leading roles and deserves it. He is an actor who seems to take his craft seriously, yet still knows how to have fun with it.
His turn here as a CIA trainee displays his signature intensity and strangely moody ability to play characters that are less surface display and more “real person.” He is becoming a star by demanding audiences to notice him.
The film itself is full of the time-honored spy clichés, but it washes over them for a more substantial substance mater. It actually tries to get you to figure it out before the film resolves it all for you. Gone are the ultra suave spies and the silly humor. Here instead are some thrilling moments that really make you think.
I won’t tell you who the badie really is, as if you can’t figure it out on your own, but just in case you don’t, I won’t ruin the ending for you. I got more of a thrill looking for the people caught up in the espionage and who was trying to uncover it. It really did work for me.
One of the things that makes the movie work is watching the two stars play against each other. Pacino is somewhat showing off (and at 62 I guess he can do that if he wants to.) And Farrell (26) has just as much command of the screen. The two seem to play cat and mouse the entire movie.
This is a good movie. One that is a bright spot in the normal mid-winter slumps that always give us the more than mediocre. And for the kid in all of us, it is a damn fine spy flick, too.
Justin Berry is working toward his second bachelor’s degree in theater performance. Comments can be sent to Justinsb26@hotmail.com.