Clear and Present Danger

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Per S Nothing special but another mediocre book adaptation. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 09/19/25 Full Review Zom L Clear and Present Danger is a gripping political thriller that blends espionage, action, and moral conflict into one of the strongest entries in the Jack Ryan film series. Directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Harrison Ford, the movie elevates Tom Clancy’s novel into a tense cinematic experience that balances character depth with large-scale geopolitical stakes. The story follows Jack Ryan, now Acting CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence, as he’s thrust into a covert war against Colombian drug cartels. What sets this film apart is how it merges suspenseful action with the murky politics of Washington. The narrative isn’t just about shootouts and chase sequences—it’s about power, corruption, and the dangers of shadow governments operating in secrecy. Harrison Ford gives one of his most commanding performances as Ryan, playing him not as a super-spy, but as a principled man trying to do the right thing in a world where morality is blurred by politics. His determination to expose corruption, even at great personal risk, makes him both relatable and heroic. The supporting cast, including Willem Dafoe as the hardened operative Clark and Donald Moffat as the calculating President Bennett, adds layers of tension and credibility. Visually, the film has a gritty realism. The convoy ambush scene remains one of the most intense and well-staged action sequences of the 1990s. Meanwhile, the political intrigue back in Washington is just as suspenseful as the covert operations abroad, showing how decisions made in polished offices can have deadly consequences on the ground. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, allowing the audience to digest the complex web of politics, betrayal, and covert warfare. James Horner’s score heightens the drama, underscoring both the moral gravity and the adrenaline-pumping action. If there’s one drawback, it’s that the plot can occasionally feel dense, with its multiple storylines demanding close attention. Still, that complexity is part of what makes the film so rewarding—it treats the audience with intelligence. Overall, Clear and Present Danger stands out as a smart, thrilling, and morally engaging political action film. It’s not just an action movie; it’s a commentary on power, accountability, and the dangers of hidden agendas. For fans of Tom Clancy, Harrison Ford, or just great 1990s thrillers, this is essential viewing. A tense and intelligent political thriller with standout performances and unforgettable action. A near-perfect blend of intrigue and excitement. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/16/25 Full Review Raymond C A great addition to the series. This entry features the best action scene of the entire franchise with the convoy attack and Harrison Ford delivers another great performance as Jack Ryan. I think this film drags at times as a result of its long runtime but that fault can be easily overlooked. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/08/25 Full Review Ryan M This was so much more boring than the first two. They are least built up some suspense. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 06/24/25 Full Review Stephen C Success in 2 hours and 21 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/02/25 Full Review Audience Member This movie is noticeably worse than Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October in my opinion. It was pretty boring and slow towards the beginning and while some good action sequences accompanied by Harrison Ford’s performance prevented it from being a completely bad movie, it’s not something I’m motivated to watch again. I found the plot of Patriot Games to be much more captivating since it was more personal and literally closer to home for the main character, while this movie wasn’t. It’s not a horrible movie, just nothing that was special through my point of view. This was NOT one of the great movies of 1994. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/08/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Clear and Present Danger

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