Movie Review

"Patriot Games" 1992


Starring:
Harrison Ford
Anne Archer
James Earl Jones
Samuel L. Jackson
Sean Bean

The "sequel" to "The Hunt for Red October", but not really. This story took place just after "Red October" in Jack Ryan's world.

Oh what could have been? I was sorely disappointed with this movie after being so very excited because the book, well the book is a real pager turner and is very good. But, not only did this movie not live up to the hype, it just really wasn't that good. Don't get me wrong, love Harrison Ford, but for the role of Jack Ryan, (I would of expected someone in their 40s or so. But, Ford was 50 when this movie came out. That's the first issue with this movie. Ryan, (or shall I say Ford) was too old at the beginning of this film.

The whole story surrounds Jack Ryan, while vacationing and lecturing in London breaks up an assassination attempt by a splinter group of the Irish Republican Army on the Prince and PRincess of Wales. In doing so, he kills off the brother of one of the terrorists. That's probably where the similarities end. Which is unfortunate. The book had so much to offer.

There is one scene in the book where the Highway Patrol of the State of Maryland chase after a van that belongs to the terrorists. Well, it just did not make the movie. I realize that you have to leave some things out, but that was one of the best scenes in the book. Also, there is this bonding of the Prince and Princess of Wales with Ryan and his wife Cathy. Again, didn't make the movie. Oh yeah, a little something to note, the movie it was a cousin of the Prince and Princess. Duh... That just did not make sense.

Regardless, the movie was ok. Not terrible, not great either. It would of been nice to see something similar to the book, but it did not make it. This was disappointing.

If you could of made Ford about 10 years younger, and been more faithful to the book, it may have proven good. But, so many details missing from the book, it just was not that good of a translation. So very sad for a movie that had great potential. I will say for the pluses in this movie, I liked Sean Bean as Sean Miller, (Brother of the deceased terrorist) I thought he was very good in the role. I also like James Earl Jones as Admiral Greer. He reprised his role from Red October.

But, this movie was not very favorable, at least from me.

I would give it a 6.5 out of 10.