‘Jack Ryan: Ghost War’ movie review: John Krasinski can’t save this thriller

Alas, there’s no rest for the wicked and studio heads aren’t going to let a winning franchise go quietly into the night. and so we have Jack Ryan: Ghost WarA perfectly serviceable little thriller, though not a particularly great one.

The film begins with the obligatory action-packed sequence, this time in Dubai. Orders are flouted, and good men are betrayed amidst flying bullets and masonry. Ryan, now a civilian working on Wall Street, is peacefully jogging when he is stopped by CIA Deputy Director James Greer (Wendell Pierce).

A scene from the film Photo Credit: Prime Video

Although Ryan protests, he is a citizen and wants no part of what Greer is suggesting, he agrees to meet in person in Dubai, since he is going there for work anyway. Former Venezuelan station chief and now CIA contractor, Mike November (Michael Kelly) is accompanying as backup.

Things naturally go horribly wrong when Ryan manages to meet with MI6 agent, Nigel Cook (Douglas Hodge), whose operation was shot to pieces in the opening sequence. This particular can of worms uncovered by Ryan includes rogue MI6 agents, black ops, Greer’s hand in death by torture, old sins that cast long shadows, and Madonna’s blonde ambition.

Due to Krasinski’s contribution to the story and screenplay, one cannot accuse him of not being involved. However, while the film is short, takes place on some flashy locations (Dubai, UK), has the expected action sequences with screeching tires and broken glass, it still remains only mildly engaging.

The acting is solid, with Krasinski continuing his consistent portrayal of Ryan, Pierce providing gravitas, Kelly providing humor, and Max Beesley, as the rogue agent, bringing menace.

Dubai at night looks like a twinkling oasis of lights, while jolly England is beautiful, cozy and green, except when bullets are flying or fleets of black SUVs are roaring by (how they manage this in crowded London is an eternal mystery).

A scene from the film Photo Credit: Prime Video

Sienna Miller plays Emma Marlowe, an MI6 officer and Ryan’s potential girlfriend, as Cathy is nowhere in the scene. The film ends with Greer recommending Ryan for the position of Deputy Director of the CIA, which is canon in Clancy’s Ryanverse.

As a placeholder, or as a transition from series to movie format, Jack Ryan: Ghost War Serviceable. Given that the original Ryan films starred Harrison Ford and were directed by Philip Noyce, one can’t be blamed for wanting more.

Jack Ryan: Ghost War is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video