“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” (Amazon Prime)
It seems we have been waiting years for “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” to arrive on Amazon Prime but arrive it has, in eight streamable episodes. John Krasinski steps into the shes of the character once played by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Chris Pine.
This newest adventure is a contemporary story and Jack Ryan is a relatively low level analyst for the CIA, but that doesn’t last long. It steps right into excitement when Jack, along with his boss James Greer (Wendell Pierce) get drafted to travel the globe trying to stop an ISIS effort to harm the USA. His past military experience comes in handy as he is in the thick of a lot of battles. His bright mind is what gets him there but it is his physical skills that keep him alive.
Having watched all eight episodes it is clear that “Jack Ryan” would have made a really good two hour movie – an above average two hour movie. However creators Carleton Cuse and Graham Rowland stuffed everything but the kitchen sink into this story in order to make it stretch out over eight episodes. As much as other series like “Bosch” and “Goliath” have you screaming more, more, more. This one has you screaming less, less, less.
There are parts of the film you watch wondering what they have to do with the basic plot. You think eventually you will find out the answer but then it ends and you never do. I’m talking about you drone pilot!
Then there is the casting. I am a big Krasinski fan. “A Quiet Place” is one of my favorite movies of the year. He is a talented actor and director and in this movie he meets all the physical requirements. Still he is the wrong choice to play Jack Ryan and there is nothing he can do to correct it. The fact is when Krasinski’s face is in repose it shows a goofy smile. This was perfect for Jim on “The Office” but it is not right for Jack Ryan.
Plus Jack’s love interest Cathy Mueller is played by Abbie Cornish. She is a pleasant looking young woman who is talented as an actress. I am sure she will go on to bigger and better roles. Her problem as Cathy is that she and Krasinski have zero chemistry together. Making them the “romance” of the show is a complete flop. I don’t know why they don’t click but they don’t.
On the other hand Dina Shihabi shines as the imperiled wife of the evil terrorist leader Suleiman (Ali Suliman). She is the standout of the entire series and dominates every scene in which she is featured. I hope she can capitalize on this opportunity and have a great career.
Close behind her as “best in the series” is Pierce. He is the perfect foil for Jack Ryan and has some of the best lines of dialogue. Krasinski’s Jack is most enjoyable when he is sparring with Pierce’s Greer. I don’t want Pierce to leave “Suits” where he is also featured in the cast, but I’d really like it if they brought him back for the second season of “Jack Ryan” which has already been approved.
The bottom line is “Jack Ryan” is definitely worth watching. But could it have been better? That is a definite and definitive YES.
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
