This twisting CIA thriller is entertaining as it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. However, the film is another grand victim of a trailer that gives too much away. The treat of the film is the twists. The less you know the better the film.
James Clayton (Colin Farrell, PHONE BOOTH) is a top student from MIT, who gets recruited into the CIA by agent Walter Burke (Al Pacino, THE GODFATHER), who knew Clayton’s father. Early on Clayton falls for fellow CIA trainee Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS). Burke keeps saying that “nothing is as it seems” and the film beats this down the audience’s throat like we’re going to get pissed when the next twist comes. It cheapens some of the thrills, but keeps one on the edge waiting for the next turn.
The film is at its best when it’s dealing with the inner workings of the CIA. The performances are what the film needs, no more no less. Farrell and Moynahan are certainly not bad to look at for two hours. This is a fun military thriller that holds enough secrets to make it an enjoyable ride.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
