|
| Recruit, The |
|
  (7/10)
|
Runtime: 115 |
| Public Rating: 5.46 (70 votes) |
Director: Roger Donaldson |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Action Thriller Drama |
Year: 2003 |
| Writer(s): Roger Towne, Kurt Wimmer, Mitch Glazer |
| Reviewed by: Dick Douglas |
| |
The Recruit is a hybrid vehicle mixing Training Day with Spy Game and Good Will Hunting. James Clayton (Collin Farrell) is the obnoxiously handsome genius who is charming and cocky, yet somehow insecure about himself due to the mysterious disappearance of his father in 1990. From the start you can visualize CIA as a viable career move for him, being an unlikely MIT computer geek graduating at the top of his class. Walter Burke (Al Pacino) is the weathered father figure that Clayton has subconsciously been searching for, teasing him with the answer to the question that has been plaguing him; what really happened to his father?
Burke approaches Clayton and offers him the opportunity to become an elite CIA operative, a spy. There is the usual macho talk about disavowing all knowledge and Burke somehow plants the seed in Clayton’s head that despite the complete lack of money, fame, reward or support, this is a better career move than making six figures working for one of the computer companies that is salivating over his potential.
Clayton accepts the offer, more curious to learn the truth about his father than to face his own limitations, and he begins his spy training in Langley, Virginia. The bus ride into the compound or the “farm” as they call it shows just how secretive and secure the training is for these lucky young prodigal recruits. There is even a fabled black helicopter taking off upon their arrival. Once there, they delve into the world of deception and surveillance, learning the “black arts” as Burke calls it, living by the rule that “nothing is what it seems.” They are tested and put through rigorous evaluations and training exercises before the plot really begins to take shape.
The remainder of the story follows Clayton as he attempts to delineate what is real and what is a test. He is pushed to his limits and finds himself in compromising situations until the climactic ending comes and goes without much real tension or intrigue. He develops a romantic relationship with one of his fellow recruit, Layla (Bridget Moynahan) but we never are quite sure if it is real or fabricated by one of the parties.
Farrell breaks out with this role, and he will certainly be around for a long time with his bad boy looks and decent acting. He’s really just a pretty face, but it is one that will fit many action roles in the years to come. Pacino is typical Pacino, with the requisite rant at the end of the film that is actually comparatively lackluster and dull to some of his previous work. He seems to be losing his edge with age, but he still develops a connection with the viewer that can’t be denied. Moynahan delivers a surprisingly solid performance as the model turned actress that may be able to live down the traditional stigma.
It was an interesting film, full of plot twists and turns, but it was a little too predictable in the end. The spy genre seems to always find its mark with the public, maybe because of the secretive nature of the business, or maybe because of the typical male fantasy that goes along with the idea of living such an extravagant lifestyle. Whatever it is, it is an entertaining concept that has potential from any angle. Although unrealistic, the story held its integrity up until the very end where it died suddenly and traumatically. Good acting, good movie, bad ending.
|
 Printable Version
|
Do you agree/disagree with this review of Recruit, The? Let your opinions be heard in our forum.
|
Buy the Poster of Recruit, The (Click Here)
|
|
|
|
