The Recruit

release year: 2003
genre: espionage drama
viewing setting: home DVD, 8/20/03

synopsis: A young man is recruited by a veteran CIA agent.

impressions: Pretty entertaining, but it seemed to become a different movie around the halfway point. It was great as a spy-training movie, but then it had a plot twist with all kinds of false leads and backstabbing. I liked the training parts, but the rest kind of turned me off.

something this movie has that no other movie has: CIA spy school?

acting: Al Pacino played the part of a hard-nosed veteran with great flair. Colin Farrell made a good recruit, gaining experience and skills as the movie progressed. His love interest was okay but got overshadowed by him and Pacino.

final word: Decent spy drama with some neat parts, but the change in direction may not be for everyone.

back to the main review page