This ‘Recruit’ doesn’t take it to the next level
Spencer Beers of Glendale owns a medical manufacturing business.
Driving to a movie this weekend? Then steer clear of “The
Recruit,” a dull, snail-paced and totally predictable thriller.
I had anticipated seeing this Al Pacino vehicle, as the subject
matter -- the training of a young CIA agent and the ensuing intrigue
-- sounded engaging. Unfortunately, the script (a product of three
different screenwriters) managed to scuttle my interest halfway
through.
Pacino plays Burke, the CIA recruiter who enlists a young
programmer/genius, James Clayton, played by Colin Farrell. Farrell’s
character is joined by Bridget Moynahan’s Layla, as his fellow
recruit and love interest. When one of these two washes out of the
academy, the real intrigue begins.
The very real problem here is that with so few well-developed
characters, there are no red herrings for the story to mislead you.
The viewer is left with choices A, B or C and it becomes simple to
figure out who is doing what to whom. In addition, many interesting
scene setups end with a resounding thud, instead of a, “Wow! I didn’t
expect that!”
Despite the three good performances from Pacino, Farrell and
Moynahan, there is not much chemistry between the latter two, and
unfortunately this relationship is key to the plot. Overall, “The
Recruit” is a major disappointment.
“The Recruit” is rated PG-13.
* If you would like to become a Reel Critic and see a movie on
the newspaper’s tab, call entertainment editor JOYCE RUDOLPH at
637-3241.