Rating: 
Summary: SO-SO
Review: THE RECRUIT takes the viewer into a world most are unaware: the recruitment process for the CIA. Walter Burke (Al Pacino) actively recruits James Clayton (Colin Farrell) to enter "The Farm", the basic training facility for new recruits. What follows is a sequence of events leading through to their assignment as CIA Operatives.This movie is based on the premise that "nothing is as it seems", which equates to many plot twists and turns along the way. It is unfortunate that these same twists and turns are most often predictable and sad. Not only did I guess what was going to happen but so did many people sitting nearby (i.e., I often heard 'I knew it' from others). More predicable than the twists and turns is that this movie contains car chases... Believe me, I did not expect THE RECRUIT to be a 'deep movie', but I somehow expected more than what was delivered. If you must see this movie, at least wait until it's released on video.
Rating: 
Summary: Now this is what spy films should be like!
Review: When James Clayton (Colin Farrell) is recruited into the CIA by a mysterious agent, Walter Burke (Al Pacino), he is quickly thrust into a world where deceit and manipulation are the only two constants -- a fact that is reinforced constantly at the Agency's training center aka "The Farm". Clayton proves himself to be an exceptional trainee and catches the attention of his instructors but none moreso than Walter Burke, the head instructor and man with decades of experience in the field. Clayton is officially pulled from the program but later learns that he has been assigned to deep cover clandestine operations -- the first being to track down a mole within his own training class. Plucked from training where "everything is a test", Clayton soon finds himself in the shadowy world where everyone is a potential mark and nothing is as it seems -- a world in which the "mark" really depends on whose side you're on. Spy versus spy versus spy. Without a doubt, "The Recruit" is not only one of the best films I've seen in awhile, but one of the best spy thrillers I've ever seen. Both "Spy Game" and "The Bourne Identity" are movies I had great things to say about, but this movie takes it to a new level. I see a lot of movies, and many of them are great, but this is one of the few movies after which I left the theater feeling like I had just come off one of the best rides in the world.
Rating: 
Summary: No answers, only secrets
Review: The Recruit is one of the better edge-of-your-seat thrillers to come down the line in a while, but it could have been a lot better. The story follows Colin Ferrell's character, a recent MIT graduate and computer whiz who is recruited by Al Pacino to join the CIA as an operative. Ferrell initially is interested in job at Dell, but Pacino entices him by dropping hints that his father -- who Colin believed worked for Shell Oil and died in Peru -- was actually an undercover CIA operative, one of the agents who's death is acknoweleged only by a single star on a wall-of-fame at the CIA's facility in Langley, Va. (but with no name because he was so deep undercover). Ferrell bites, and begins training at the Farm in everything from how to blow things up to how to beat a lie-detector test. But he washes out, or so he thinks, until Pacino tells him that one of his fellow students is actually an enemy agent, a sleeper. Ferrell is given the assignment to get close to the other student and find out who her handler is. The movie is replete with twists and turns, and although the ending was rather predictable (at least I thought so, my friend I went with was surprised), there were plenty enough times where I questioned whether or not my first guess was right -- that doesn't happen often in situations where I do correctly guess the ending before the movie starts. Perhaps the biggest problem with this movie for me was the casting of Al Pacino. Pacino is an excellent actor, no doubt about it. But when he's in a movie like The Recruit, he so often plays exactly the same type of character that for me, his track record gave away a lot of the revelations of who he was at the end. He also spends a lot of time harping on the lack of money in the job, a little too much, which reflected that it was an issue with him, by the way. A side-note: A GS-15 makes[more money than]Pacino quoted in the movie; GS-12/13s make the salary he quoted. So the ending is predictable. But there are plenty enough times you will ask yourself along the way just who is zoomin' who. If you go for the ride more than the destination, it's a good movie.
Rating:
Summary: This is a VERY GOOD film.....
Review: Al Pacino is both a good actor and a versatile actor and he gives a solid performance in 'The Recruit'. As a recruiter for 'the company', Walter Burke (Pacino) enlists James Douglas Clayton (Colin Farrell) to become a trainee at 'the farm' in Virginia where he will be instructed in all the trappings of becoming a CIA operative. James, a computer-whiz who is conducting a very personal search of his own, decides to enter to program for perhaps the wrong reasons, but proves to be a very, very good student. During his indoctrination he becomes interested on several levels in fellow-trainee, Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan). This suspenseful thriller encompasses a plot that takes several twists and turns, some of which an adroit movie viewer will see coming, but it really doesn't lessen the pleasure, because the viewer is totally intrigued to learn if the plot-turn will take the direction their gut hints is ahead, and also if the characters will see it coming or miss the curve. In addition to the plot, the sneak-peeks into the various test methods and exercises, which may or may not be authentic, are interesting and thought provoking. The CIA instructors are not just directing their warnings; 'everything is a test' and 'nothing is as it seems' to the green recruits. Veteran film-goers are being putting on alert as well. One consistent thing about the largest majority of Pacino's films is they are enjoyable to watch and that certainly includes this one. 'The Recruit' may not be Oscar material and doesn't contain an 'earth-shattering' or life-changing message. Is also is not just a 'guy' film, although the majority of the patrons at the showing I attended were male. It offers what movies were meant to provide; pure pleasure and entertainment. This film makes for an enjoyable visit to the theater, regardless of your gender or the time of day you attend. In the confines of the film you may want to remember to 'trust no one', but for now, TRUST ME....when I tell you this is a must-see film for Pacino films, as well as viewers who truly enjoy the thriller genre.
Rating:
Summary: "Nothing is what it seems"
Review: The first time I saw Kurt Wimmer's writing work was in the movie Equilibrium that came out last year on a limited release. This time around, the work is even better! This film is full of twists and turns, taking what Al Pacino says as the CIA being a "game" couldn't be farther from the truth. Colin Farrell plays the excellent job of a new recruit to the CIA as scouted by Pacino. His father has a history with the CIA working on mission with Shell Oil, however, he passed away we learn in the opening credits via some news articles. With interest in joining, Farrell goes into bootcamp for the "farm" as they call it to learn the trades of what's going on. Here, he meets the wonderful Bridget Moynehan and see their interests blossom even though they're in a tightly-overseen environment. They want to get to know one another but can't for the longest time. Pacino puts Farrell to the test through several missions of which I really don't want to share because I don't want to give away spoilers. Each mission goes farther and farther until you start to wonder yourself what is a real mission and what isn't. You'll understand as the film climaxes but be sure there's plenty of twists and turns all the way to the end to keep you guessing! The action is intense, the dialogue is real, the storylines are completed. This really is a great film on many levels and will appeal to many different movie-going viewers I think. It's smart, a hint of sexiness, and the flow is smooth and quick to keep you on your toes the entire time. The plot covers some realistic topics. There's no CGI-flavored scenes and unbelievable stunts...this is just good dramatic filmmaking. Certainly enjoyed it and will have to add this to the DVD collection!
Rating:
Summary: very thrilling action movie with a twist
Review: James Clayton (Colin Farrell) is an MIT student/bartender in Boston when Walter Burke (Al Pacino) approaches him to recruit him into a training program for the CIA. James is skeptical but intrigued when Burke has information about his father, who died mysteriously in a plane crash in 1990. At the training, he meets and has a crush on Layla, a female agent-in-training. The tests and experiments of training is very interesting, seeing if James will make it, but then there is a twist -- there is a double agent in their midst, but it is plausible that anyone of them could be that person. James must find out who it is, but new information at every turn could lead him in any direction. The problem is, if he stands still, he will probably be killed, so all he can do is move forward. The scenery in Washington --- particularly in Georgetown --- is excellent. And yes, ladies, Colin Farrell takes his shirt off!
Rating:
Summary: Hoo Ha! Same Al, different movie.
Review: Al Pacino may not be the most versatile actor in the world, but he is a good actor; and, he proves it in this movie. Al plays a 'scout' for the CIA looking for a few good spies. He finds bartender and computer hacker extraordinaire (how's THAT for a double career) played by Colin Farrell. The first spy talent seems to be keeping your 5 o'clock shadow exactly the same throughout the entire movie. :) Colin and several other spy wannabes are chosen and sent to a training camp called 'The Farm' where Colin meets a delicious recruit played by Bridget Moynahan (NOTE: calling them by their character names just slows me down). Bridget quickly learns the spy trait at crying at the drop of a hat. Without blabbing off too much more of the storyline, Al gives Colin an assignment that prepares him quite well for the life of a CIA agent. There are several plot twists in this movie but not so many that it gives you a migraine. About the only thing that does is the constant verbal reminder in the film that "nothing is as it seems". Overall, great acting all around and very good action scenes. The PG-13 rating is well deserved since it isn't overly bloody or violent.. i.e. it isn't going to put an idea into your teenager to go out and do something stupid. Movie warnings: almost but not quite nudity (backless Bridget in a shower scene), sex with WAY too many covers, and profanity (mostly by the audience complaining about the covers). Is it worth seeing? For matinee prices, definitely. For evening prices, yes, if you're into thriller movies. And, just like in the movie, "PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES." :)
Rating:
Summary: Very good movie
Review: This action-thriller is a great movie, in which "nothing is what is seems"; for the characters, as well as for the viewer. Al Pacino and Collin Farrell show us great acting, together with a great story it makes this to one of the best action-thrillers I've ever seen! Special note for the outcome of the movie, the outcome is something I find very important. Most of the time good movies get wasted by a horrible end. Not this movie, no patriotic, moralistic, "help I'm gonna throw up" end. It's something you won't see coming....
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable "Who's playing Who" thriller
Review: I have to say I really enjoyed this movie and actually endorse the "Edge of the Seat" message on the rear of the box.
Al Pacino is well cast as the craggy featured senior recruitment officer for the CIA, who woos a young Computer genius (played by Farrell) into the world of espionage, and governmental agency training. The young Farell rapidly becomes embroiled in a "mole" hunt and is constantly questioning whether he is still "in training", or really in danger. What develops is a series of "who's watching who" encounters as he, and his trainee counterpart take part in a cat and mouse scenario, that leaves the viewing audience also playing along. Puritans will probably complain that there is a lack of accuracy in the movie, and that the final revelations seem predictable, but most people will just sit and enjoy the ride. Solid acting performances and a believable script bolster the storyline, and Farrell is excellent as the naive, almost paranoid young agent. Great suspense, and very well made.
Rating:
Summary: fantastic
Review: al pacino is really great:his voice,his manner...everything.
and colin farrell is also fine.. i love the part when he's captured by Russians.he rejects the food and gets angry. He played that part great.
And the recruit is the first film about the cia camps.I don't know a man who has not ever wondered "how can someone be chosen to CIA".
1t s great
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