User reviews

'The Recruit,' is an MIT whiz kid James Clayton (Colin Farrel). His recruiter is CIA guy Walter Burke (Al Pacino). He is the head guy at the CIA training centre, 'the farm,' which Clayton and fellow trainee/love interest Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan) go through.

The movie is good enough to watch but is not entirely riveting. You see, we are told 'everything is a test!!!' and this lurks behind every plot turn that Clayton goes through. Are his problems for real? Or is it just another training test by Burke? If this sounds like tense stuff, it is and it isn't. Sometimes it will hook you in but other times it is just annoying - the feeling that he's not in any real danger but its all just a drill. Interest goes up and down until after the 'farm' training stuff. At this point, the story's focus gets much sharper and things become more consistently interesting, with a few cool twists. This is quite a fair way into the movie, though.

I love Pacino, and was quite interested in whether Farrell could match him after the promise he showed in 'Minority Report.' Well he does. In fact, everyone holds their own and the combined chemistry boosts the film. Pacino is steady throughout and doesn't do his unrestrained thing until the end (its still worth the wait!). Also, Moynahan is thankfully given more to do than just be the obligatory chick/eye-candy.

Overall, decent enough to give a whirl. It's better than most of the other spy / thriller stuff out there.

In "The Recruit" a computer whiz (Farrell) is recruited to be trained as a CIA operative and ends up playing cat and mole inside the agency while keeping the audience wondering who's "cat" and who's "mole". The film is a slick shoot with a convoluted plot which tries to work the notion that in the spy game no one can trust anyone. Unfortunately the film is dumbed down, full of plot holes and obvious contrivances, doesn't work well in the human drama, and relies too much on techno-junk and gobbledygook computer hacking spy stuff. Though "The Recruit" isn't much of a movie given the talent behind it, it is busy and keeps you guessing all the way to the conclusion. An okay watch for Pacino fans and anyone in the mood for a lukewarm spy flick. (B-)

For some reason or another, this movie wasn't really accepted by the majority of the audience and I wonder why that is. I'm not saying it is a masterpiece, but this is still a movie with Al Pacino and Colin Farrell. Both actors and especially Al Pacino are normally good for some decent fun and some good acting and it wasn't any different in this movie.

This movie tells us the story of James Clayton (Colin Farrell), a young computer graduate who is recruited by Walter Burke (Al Pacino) to work for the CIA. Despite Clayton's unconventional attitude, Burke sees in him one of the best agents the CIA can wish for. That's why he'll guide Clayton through the difficult training courses and helps him to quickly rise through the ranks. Once the training period is over Clayton gets a special assignment, he'll have to detect a mole that has infiltrated in the CIA. But will his training be enough and was Burke right about the fact that this may well be the best agent ever?

This movie is perhaps not the most original thriller ever, but it delivers everything that it is asked for. It's a good movie, full of suspense and decent acting. And for those who are interested: it also gives an insight on how the trainees are recruited, how they are prepared to be a spy and what they learn to survive. I don't know anything about it, but I guess it all looked pretty accurate. Anyway, I enjoyed watching this movie and I give it a 7.5/10.

When computer hacker and barman James Clayton is approached by CIA recruiter Walter Burke he is enticed by offers of information about his father who died in a plane crash, supposedly in the employment of Shell Oil. On the farm (the CIA training facility) Clayton learns that everything is all part of training. However in a world where every act is a deception and everyone holds secrets not everything is as it seems as friends and lovers conceal deception and treachery.

With two real good names at the head of the cast this was an easy draw for me – I wanted to see it before I even knew what it was about and was able to get preview tickets. The main thing to know is that this is a very mainstream thriller. I thought it may have some subversive comments to make about the role of the CIA in this post 9-11 world but it is very straight. As such it is very self contained and never really wanders outside it's parameters and even the computer programme that makes up the second half is never given a global view.

Although this may take away from the impact it can have as a bit of political commentary it does mean that it moves a little more freely and is very entertaining at it's best. The main weakness it has is that it is too twisty. Films that have shock twists usually are shocking because they only have one big twist as opposed to several. The Recruit has so many twists that, after the first 15 minutes, you expect everything you see to be a twist and thus you take away from it's impact. It still has clever bits but I found myself more surprised when things turned out to be what they seemed as opposed the twist I was waiting for.

Pacino is really good in the lead as he gets to play a mysterious sort of teacher type. It is nothing that really stretches his range but he is very watchable. Proving that he does have potential, Farrell is really magnetic when he is onscreen. I have seen him in Phone Booth only a few weeks ago and really like him now. He is sexy but also keeps an air of realism that makes me buy into him (even when his character is a bit Bondish). The support cast are OK but the male duo in the lead basically hold the attention by themselves.

Overall this was a pretty enjoyable thriller that maybe overdoes the twists to the point that you expect them. The leads are good and the film plays well with lots of spy coolness. One thing to watch for is the sign at one point that reads `The George Bush Centre for Intelligence', the audience I was in gave a murmur of laughter when they spotted it!

'The Recruit' is good enough for a nice evening but that doesn't mean the movie is very good. It is about James Clayton (Colin Farrell) who is recruited by CIA spy Walter Burke (Al Pacino). On a place called The Farm he and others including the beautiful Layla (Bridget Moynahan) are trained to become CIA agents. They learn to kill and all the stuff you see James Bond and such do in other movies.

It is all very entertaining but not very believable. Entertaining because of Al Pacino who almost always is fun to watch and because of Colin Farrell. I liked him in 'Tigerland' and since then he has only done good. The real star in 'Minority Report', the best thing in 'Daredevil' and a great performance in 'Phone Booth', and now a good reason to watch 'The Recruit'.

'The Recruit' is entertaining, but one plot twist after another, most of them predictable; it is just a little too much.

1st watched 6/28/2003 - 6 out of 10(Dir-Roger Donaldson): Good spy action thriller with passable performances by the leads Farrell, Pacino and Moynahan. This isn't quite on-the-edge-of-your-seat material but there is a lot of good information given to you about the CIA to almost make it a how-to type of film at least in the first half. The 2nd half wonders more into the action-thriller genre but always keeps you guessing. Farrell is recruited by a CIA agent to be trained as one and we get to see how they are trained in a place called the `Farm', which is a special school for the CIA. Pacino's character constantly is stressing to Farrell and the audience that not everything is as it seems. This becomes kind of the theme throughout the movie as the viewer tries to figure out what's real and what's not. This is quite a challenge in this film considering that being deceptive is part of the job of the CIA agent. Another statement made by Pacino's character is that `everything is a test' also helps in the confusion of the reality issue. After Farrell goes thru the `Farm', he is assigned a special case to investigate someone that he seems to care(Moynahan) about, as a possible double-agent. The truth is twisted a couple of times near the end of the film but we're able to figure it out when it's all over. The 1st half and the 2nd half of this movie could actually each stand alone and that's what weakens the picture is the attempt to put both the CIA drama and the action-thriller together. All in all this is good viewing but could have been much better but it's apparent that the makers were ok with just ok, and that's ok.

The Recruit has too many sub-plots and twists and turns. Pacino takes on the role as a CIA recruiter with a vengeance. Colin Farrell is spectacular as the recruit. His CIA girl friend (Moynahan) is extremely sexy, but Farrell manages to steal the scenes from her, one by one. It's directed with plenty of drama, mystery and intrigue. But there's something wrong with the movie? Could it be the studio? Or the writing? Don't know, I wasn't there. What I do know is that it's a great idea, but someone along the way messed it up big-time. If I was Pacino, I would have final say on the script and final cut. He must have been fuming. To make him do a Scarface sort of thing was absolutely pathetic. When the movie was over I felt cheated. Out of my DVD money and out of a good ending.

So a little like Full Metal Jacket you are presented with two acts. Act One, training, Act Two Mission/Quest/Task. Like Full Metal Jacket, one act is better than the other.

Coincidentally like FMJ its the training part of the movie that is the most enjoyable in The Recruit. The training part is compelling viewing, it completely draws you in.

The mission part is entertaining enough but can't complete to the set up.

Both Farrell and Pacino deliver the quality you would expect, especially Farrell who is riding high at this point.

Its a bit of a forgotten film that a larger contemporary audience would appreciate :)

A bit complicated well orchestrated CIA experience with handsome Colin Ferrel and legendary Al Pacino! The bulk of the movie had many training exercises that characters had to go through to further themselves into the CIA agency but there's ins and outs that the viewer has to understand if not they might not appreciate it. I'm surprised on IMDB it doesn't say action, thriller, mystery it should!

Intense and twisty spy thriller that takes you deep into the world of espionage and espionage training! This film combines top-notch performances, intriguing plot twists, and a healthy dose of suspense that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.

At the heart of "The Recruit" is James Clayton, played by the charismatic Colin Farrell, a talented computer programmer with dreams of becoming a CIA agent. He catches the eye of Walter Burke, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Al Pacino, a seasoned CIA instructor known for his unorthodox methods.

As James goes through the rigorous and secretive training program at The Farm, the CIA's top-secret training facility, you'll be treated to a rollercoaster ride of mind games and espionage exercises. The film brilliantly portrays the psychological aspects of becoming a spy, and you'll find yourself questioning loyalties and motives along the way.

Colin Farrell and Al Pacino deliver captivating performances that add depth and intensity to the film. Their on-screen chemistry and the mentor-mentee relationship provide a captivating dynamic that drives the story.

"The Recruit" keeps you guessing as the plot unravels, and it's not afraid to throw in unexpected twists and turns. The film keeps you engaged with its clever storytelling and keeps you invested in James's journey from a hopeful recruit to a potential CIA agent.

Bridget Moynahan's portrayal of Layla, another recruit with her own secrets, adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative. The chemistry between her and James adds an element of romance to the mix, but be prepared for some unexpected revelations.

As the tension builds, "The Recruit" explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the thin line between friend and foe. It's a mind-bending journey that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Now, some critics might argue that the film's plot might be a bit convoluted and that some of the twists might feel predictable. Sure, it's true that it leans into some familiar spy movie elements, but the performances and the overall atmosphere make up for it.

So, if you're looking for a suspenseful and clever spy thriller with top-notch performances, "The Recruit" is a must-watch. Prepare for a gripping ride through the world of CIA training and espionage, where loyalties are tested, and nothing is as it seems. Keep your wits about you, because in "The Recruit," every move could be a test!

Another in a long line of thrillers that aren't as smart as they think they are, populated with supposedly ultra-smart characters doing really stupid things.

"Everything is a test." "Nothing is what it seems." Doesn't anyone ever listen? And what sort of feeble recruit cracks under interrogation after a few personal questions about sex? If these are the types of people the CIA enlists, we're all doomed.

I'd hoped for more from the Pacino/Farrell interplay which is cute but uninspired, given their talents. The disappointment continues as Farrell and Moynahan generate about as much spark as a match under a cold shower.

Add that to a boring plotline about a dead father and a pointless car chase and it all adds up to a little more than a DTV potboiler with bigger names.

Purely objectively-speaking, The Recruit isn't a 9-star film. It isn't memorable in any meaningful way long-term and its ending isn't the greatest reveal ever constructed. But fans of twisty/turn-y thrillers (as I am) hit the motherlode here. The Recruit is truly one-of-a-kind in that aspect.

For a very basic overview, The Recruit tells the story of James Clayton (Colin Farrell), a cadet-in-training for the CIA who catches the eye of lead instructor Walter Burke (Al Pacino) and is given a top-secret assignment far beyond his supposed experience level. But is it real--or a test? Who can be trusted--and who might be working against James?

The hallmark of this film is that just when you think you have a bead on it, it throws you another curveball. Granted, this does sometimes lead to the "I know a big twist is coming so it's not surprising" problem, but The Recruit throws so many zig-zags at you that at a certain point you either go with the flow or check out entirely (this being a flick in which a turning-down of one's critical analysis brain is imperative for enjoyment). But for whatever reason, I'm always able to stay engaged and on the edge of my seat for the entire film.

Ironically, for a movie starring the great Al Pacino, acting is a bit of a problem here. Not any individual performances, per se, but mostly the utter lack of chemistry between Farrell and supporting cast member Bridget Moynahan. Whether via acting chops or script deficiencies, those two never "click" and as such that connection (or lack thereof) cannot shoulder some of the plot craziness burden. Pacino himself is fine, if perhaps more subdued for what could have been an even juicier role.

Overall, "The Recruit" is a film that I enjoy more than the average film-goer. Its plot-heavy machinations speak to my cinematic tendencies and the characters & action sequences do just enough to keep the wheels moving all the way to the end. This isn't Nolan or Spielberg, to be sure, but I've watched the film three times since its 2003 release and it never drops below a 9/10 ranking.

Maybe not the most original thriller but a decent one with good production and cast. The plot takes some twist and makes The Recruit suspenseful enough. For sure no masterpiece or mind opener but recommended if you like to watch thrillers/movies set in the "world" of FBI, CIA etc.

A benign interpretation of this film is that it is harmless fun with some weak points. The plot is ridiculous, and generates pleasure insofar as one can pick holes in its premise, "twists" and developments. There were so many implausibilities in this film to relate, but I'll stick to one: we are asked to believe it plausible that *elite spies* would believe that someone who graduated "top of his class at MIT", and who clearly has what it takes to earn "200K a year and live a nice life", and who has failed to become a spy would take a *data entry job* at CIA headquarters.

Further, the technical aspects of the film are incredibly implausible: why make a techno-thriller when you can't even bluster a realistic maguffin? We are asked in all seriousness to believe that there is a "computer virus that can go down electrical cables", and that CIA's HQ has "no hard drives".

A more sinister interpretation comes when a bonus on the DVD claims that this film was made with the connivance of the CIA itself. That the film reveals nothing of substance about the CIA's training beyond what you could guess yourself, and shows the CIA to be techno-rich and brain-poor is either realistic and worrying, or, more likely, means that this is probably what they want you to think and that this film doesn't even work on an "insight" level.

In short - stick to Bond; compared to this it appears on *some* levels to be plausible.

Ironic this movie's made by Spyglass? Or is it? Isn't there ambiguity there as well?

Nothing is what it seems.

Yes the writers could have gone over their screenplay and given it another one-two and that may have raised the caliber another notch, but this is still good entertainment. It won't change your life, but it will be a well spent couple of hours.

And it's true the movie could in theory have had a more sophisticated (ambiguous) ending, but there comes a time, after wading through all the trollop on the market, that one just sinks back and decides to enjoy a better movie for all it's worth.

And this is such a movie: directed by the capable Roger Donaldson who directed the taut thriller No Way Out and co-authored by a writer on The Natural, this one keeps going at a brisk pace with excellent editing and super soundtrack from Klaus Badelt of POTC1 fame. Farrell - who actually comes off smaller than life what with all the tripe written about him, and that's not a bad thing - and former fashion model Moynahan make the sparks fly. You feel for the protagonists and that's an essential ingredient of any good movie.

But Pacino: he's great at whatever he does but is he fated to have secondary roles now? Bah.

There's a bit of a 'Spy Game' feel to things but there's no shameless copying going on. There just aren't many movies in this genre. And Spy Game doesn't have the thrill and suspense this one has. Yes, you might eventually figure everything out before the denouement, but you won't be upset. And odds are you won't figure everything out anyway - some yes; all of it - no.

As for that ending: some people would perhaps prefer more ambiguity. On several planes. Others would say the ending is ambiguous enough. At least on one plane, perhaps several.

Nothing is what it seems.

Greetings again from the darkness. Al Pacino's character is fond of saying "nothing is what it seems". I say this movie is exactly how it seems. There desperately needed to be some twist and turns. Collin Farrell ("Minority Report" and the upcoming "Phone Booth") again proves the camera loves him. He has the screen presence that Pacino had prior to becoming a parody of himself. Hey Al, what is the deal with the pants that are 6 inches too long? Bridget Moynahan is developing into a nice actress with lead potential. Director Roger Donaldson ("No Way Out" and "Cocktail", among others) does a nice job of capturing CIA training on "the farm", but the movie falls apart at the end with a cheap device to solve the movie.

This thriller, directed by Roger Donaldson, starts on a promissory note, only to fizzle at the end because a terrible conclusion by the screen writers Robert Towne and Kurt Wimmer. There are no doubts that this trio started with better intentions, but the finished product doesn't amount to a satisfying movie.

Al Pacino, as the recruiter, plays a sly role here. He is always a step ahead of the action, but his transformation at the end leaves the viewer wondering and asking questions. Colin Farrell, plays the intelligent and talented recruit. He is very effective and convincing. Bridget Moynahan is Layla, a mysterious recruit who might be working for the wrong side.

While the film is very keeps one's imagination going, it demands a more logical ending, or at least something one can feel not being let down by its false resolution.

CIA trainer Walter Burke (Al Pacino) recruits James Douglas Clayton (Colin Farrell). While training at The Farm, James falls for fellow recruit Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan).

This movie is divided in 2. The first half takes place at The Farm as they work through the program. It's straight forward with all the well-wore Hollywood cliché about CIA training. It had a couple interesting scenes designed to prepare you for the usual twists of a spy genre. Then James gets kicked out of the program, and Walter recruits him once again, this time as an off-the-books agent to root out a double agent's contact. The style is not big enough. They needed more action. Bigger bang. If you're making an action movie, you'd gotta go big. Considering the caliber of the stars here, the action has gotta match.

Al Pacino does an outstanding job of acting (as per usual) in this fast paced drama. The rest of the cast is very good, and the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ending was not what I expected, but if you can ignore the ending it is worth while seeing.

James Clayton (Colin Farrell) is a brilliant hacker and was the first in his class in MIT. Walter Burke (Al Pacino) is a CIA recruiter and trainer and invites James to join CIA in Langton farm, using as motivation the disappearance of his father in 1990 in Peru. While being trained, James has a crush on his colleague Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan) and he becomes closer to her. In a torture training session, James is invited to leave Langton farm. Later, Walter looks for James telling him that he was indeed very well succeeded and he was hired to follow Layla, who is under the suspicion of being a traitor. In the end, nothing is what it seems. A movie having Al Pacino in the cast is a synonym of a good or excellent movie. This one follows the rules. Specially having also the great actor Colin Farrell and the beautiful Bridget Moynahan. Although having many clichés, this film is a great thriller, full of plot points, and in the end, a good entertainment. Fans of this genre will not be disappointed. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): `O Novato' (`The Rooker')

CIA headhunter Walter Burke(Pacino), selects barman James Douglas Clayton(Farrell) to join the program, Clayton is eager as Burke seems to know something of his dead fathers past. Clayton is dropped form the program after failing a test, but Burke later reveals that he has in fact been chosen as the new NOC, an agent that works alone in dangerous situations. Clayton is chosen to investigate another recruit whom Burke believes is a foreign agent, only problem is Clayton has an attraction to this girl. The initial setup of the film is quite good, Pacino and Farrell sparring quite well of each other in some interesting situations, the film does resort to double cross and multi identities towards the end, but those with a liking for such films will no doubt enjoy it all the same. Pacino's now rather clichéd shouting monologue is thankfully saved for the finale.

This movie is exactly as advertised. A cool spy drama thriller led by Collin and AL what more could you want. Definitely a good movie worth watching.give it a try.

This film is centred on James Clayton, a computer programmer, who is approached by Walter Burke, a senior CIA instructor who suggests he has just the skills the agency is looking for. Clayton decides to accept, largely because he believes it will help him learn more about his father who died in an accident in Peru in 1990. Once he is in Clayton joins other recruits at 'The Farm', a special facility where everything is a test and recruits are pitted against each other. He and fellow recruit Layla Moore gradually become close which ultimately causes him problems before he is approached for a special job... now he will have to question loyalties and betray those close to him to prevent the theft of a highly classified, highly dangerous computer program.

This might not be a well-known film but it is a solid little thriller with some good twists. It is also very much a film of two halves; in the first he is recruited and trained and in the second he is caught up in a dangerous operation. There is a reasonable amount of action but this isn't over the top; just a few shootings and a short car chase. I suspect most viewers will at least suspect the 'big twist' fairly early on but the story plays out in a way that makes one doubt that original suspicion. The cast is solid with Colin Farrell impressing as Clayton and Al Pacino being solid as Burke; Bridget Moynahan also impresses as Layla even if her role is smaller than that of the two leading men. Overall this might not be a must see but is well worth watching if you are a fan of the genre.

This crap has been done to death thousands of times, yet people still pay money to see more iterations of the same tired characterizations and implausible plots. Let's see if we can add anything new. Nope, not this time. Well, at least I got it from the library for free.