Socko's Movie Review of The Recruit

Well, back after two years, and I'm cranking out a second review in as many days. I guess I must have really missed this place. Anyway, due to a Hollywood Video used video sale, I was able to get The Recruit for a whopping $5.00. Since they charge about $4.79 for a rental, I figured I might as well go out on a limb and make the purchase. Having heard fairly little about the film during it's release, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Colin Farrell plays James Clayton, a bright young college grad with all the skills to be a top CIA agent. He is soon recruited by Walter Burke, played by the always amazing Al Pacino. Burke convinces Clayton to give up his aspirations of going for the big money with Dell Computers and sign on for a real line of work as a CIA trainee. Little does Clayton suspect the perils that will soon befall him.

Along the way in his training at the FARM (CIA training base), Clayton meets Layla Moore, played by Bridget Moynahan of Sum of All Fears and Coyote Ugly fame. There is an almost instant attraction between them, which leads to an interesting situation as Moore is soon suspected of being a mole. What follows are enough twists and turns for any three spy movies and some pretty decent acting performances.

I really can't say enough about Colin Farrell. This guy might not be the best actor that's ever graced the big screen, but he seems to bring his best to the table ever time. Throw in another strong performance by Pacino and a decent enough supporting cast, and you have all the makings of a good movie.

My only real complaint about the film was that it seemed that twists in the plot were being thrown in just for the sake of it. Some of them were surprising, but many were obvious and predictable. Still, with the strong performances and edge-of-your-seat feel to the movie going for it, you can almost forgive some of the film's predictability.

Overall, I'd give the film 4 stars out of a possible 5, or a two thumbs up rating. I'd highly recommend renting the film, and doubt that you would be disappointed if you actually handed over the cash to own it (especially if that amount is only $5.00 used). Not everything might be as it appears, but there is no mistaking the fact that this film is a good one.