Learning the Hard Way
The Recruit
Review by Ross Anthony

The Recruit Strong acting, a fine patient pace at the outset, a clever ending, but nonetheless lacking something meaty. Take that playfully dangerous element of the double agent romancing the double agent, as so often toyed with in James Bond films, strip away the comedy, even most of the suave, and you'll have the engine of "The Recruit."

The film also fosters a father figure syndrome that never quite fully matures. Mostly smart and convincing, though some after-the-film noodling will no doubt yield doubts.

It's a maze of who to trust and who not. "The Recruit" would make an excellent movie of the week, but on the big screen comes up a little shy. But then again, psychological thrillers are not my favorite genre. Al is strong, but this performance brings nothing new to his portfolio.



  • The Recruit. Copyright © 2003. Rated PG-13.
  • Starring Al Pacino, Colin Farrell, Bridget Moynahan, Gabriel Macht, Mike Realba.
  • Directed by Roger Donaldson.
  • Screenplay by Roger Towne, Kurt Wimmer, Mitch Glazer. Produced by Roger Birnbaum, Jeff Apple, Gary Barber at Touchstone/Spyglass.



Grade..........................B+



Copyright © 2001. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: RossAnthony.com


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 07:55:27 PDT