“Attention to orders. I have a presentation to make. For service above and beyond the call of duty of a tourist, or even a Marine, we recognize Professor John Patrick Ryan, with the Order of the Purple Target. [he hangs a medal around Jack’s neck in the shape of a bulls-eye, with the words “SHOOT ME” on it] And hope that he will duck next time, lest he become part of history, rather than a teacher of it.” – Robby
Number of Times Seen – At least 5 times (Theater in ’92, cable, video, DVD and 22 Nov 2017)
Brief Synopsis – A former CIA analyst inadvertently foils a terrorist plot to assassinate a member of the Royal Family and becomes the target of a personal vendetta of an IRA terrorist.
My Take on it – I’m a big fan of Harrison Ford, but I still think that he wasn’t the best actor to have portrayed Jack Ryan (to date).
That title still goes to Alec Baldwin who portrayed the role in The Hunt For Red October (1990).
When they chose to cast Ford, I’m glad they decided to age the main character to make it all seem more plausible.
The story is filled with action and is definitely a great addition to the Jack Ryan films.
The weakest part of this film tho is the fact that the IRA terrorists played by Sean Bean and his compatriots just aren’t as threatening as one would expect them to be.
This film also has a tendency to have characters transport over time zones within minutes with little explanation.
The choice to have this film focus mainly on family instead of just the action itself was a great one because it helps us understand the character of Ryan and his motivation throughout.
Samuel L. Jackson has a small role, but still manages to make himself quite noticeable in every scene he appears in.
Thye have some great twists and turns here that work even when you already know they will be coming.
Probably the weakest of the 5 Ryan films, but still extremely entertaining.
Bottom Line – Great action film that is a nice addition to the Jack Ryan stories. Ford is a good choice for an older Ryan, but I still think Baldwin played the role the best (so far). This film is weakened by Bean and his compatriots because they don’t really seem as threatening as they should be. Liked how this story focuses more on the family aspects and the slight twists along the way help with the momentum of it all. Recommended!
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – The line “There’s never been a terrorist attack on American soil.” was included in trailers for the movie, but was left out of theatrical release, because it sounded too much like an invitation or dare. (From IMDB)
Rating – Globe Worthy
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MovieRob 
Disagree a bit. Love this movie. Saw Hunt For Red October. I like Ford better than Baldwin. Maybe Baldwin would’ve grown into the role and been as good had he not left the series over a salary dispute, but we’ll never know. And disagree about Bean’s character as well. The IRA were dangerous as hell and Bean was as cold blooded as they get. That was quite clear from the scene when he’s broken out of British custody. And he has blinders on as far as getting revenge on Ryan for killing his brother. My only problem was that he was so single-minded and out of control – that I didn’t buy his compatriots letting him get as far as he did (and take THEM out). They had the cause as well and he changed the rules in his blood fever to get Ryan. It wouldn’t have been as effective, but they should’ve killed him themselves and gotten their “mission” (to get the Royal) back on track.
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And as much as I loved this movie – I thought Ford and Clear and Present Danger were even better.
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