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The Recruit

Play trailer Poster for The Recruit PG-13 2003 1h 55m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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43% Tomatometer 164 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In an era when the country's first line of defense - human intelligence - is more important than ever, comes an explosive thriller that gives an insider's view into the CIA's secret training ground: The Farm. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) might not have the attitude of a typical recruit, but he is one of the smartest graduating seniors in the country -- and he's just the person that Walter Burke (Al Pacino) wants in the Agency.
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The Recruit

The Recruit

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Critics Consensus

This polished thriller is engaging until it takes one twist too many into the predictable.

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Critics Reviews

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Barbara Ellen The Times (UK) 01/02/2018
I rather enjoyed The Recruit and I'm guessing you will, too. The script is well-paced and witty, Pacino is as watchable as ever. Go to Full Review
Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/29/2010
3/5
Above-average thriller, but not very memorable. Go to Full Review
Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) 10/19/2003
A standard-issue spy game with all the layered complexity of Ludo. Go to Full Review
Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed 04/29/2009
I'm still hoping Pacino will dazzle with a great performance eventually... Go to Full Review
Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review 08/07/2008
3/5
Peter Canavese Groucho Reviews 06/01/2008
2/4
Watchable only for its star power and scarce caffeine kicks...awfully predictable. [Blu-Ray] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Ray C Dec 8 A rather dull and uninspired little espionage thriller. The Recruit has a handful of decent twists but falls apart by the finale. Al Pacino is definitely the highlight however. See more Matthew T Nov 17 A rather underrated espionage thriller - I am shocked by its RT rating and dismissive comments by critics! A witty script, fantastic stars, and possibly Pacino's last truly great performance (he is contractually obliged to get a 2 minute onscreen rant to himself in any given movie and this one doesn't disappoint). This movie truly embodies its maxim - that nothing is what it seems. It is not predictable at all. I genuinely started to lose track of what was real and what wasn't. Note that this is 'realistic' spy work - not James Bond. Don't expect gadgets and explosions and lasers from space. But its understated nature is what makes this movie so uniquely charming. I can't think of a movie that has done this better. Spy Game? No Way Out? I prefer this. It's in that ballpark. It's telling that other successful spy movies like Kingsman have borrowed much from The Recruit. My only criticism is that, after the training section which is awesome, it does enter a duller, greyer, slower burn phase - which is appropriate to the story but might turn off some viewers. The last act however more than makes up for it. And look out for an early Harvey Spectre ;) See more Daniel S Sep 29 Hack the Planet... With Gobbledygook! So, here’s the deal.. The Recruit throws you right into the CIA’s secret world where nothing and no one can be trusted. Colin Farrell plays James Clayton, a young computer genius pulled into the spy game by Al Pacino’s slick mentor figure, Walter Burke. Alongside fellow recruit Layla (Bridget Moynahan), he dives headfirst into a training ground called “The Farm,” where you get all the James Bond.. style action: combat, spy tricks, and high-stakes mind games. The movie definitely knows how to keep you guessing.. twists keep dropping left and right, and it’s a constant cat-and-mole chase that’ll have you wondering who’s actually pulling the strings. Farrell brings the heat, showing why he was one of the hottest rising stars of the early 2000s, and Pacino, as always, is a blast to watch. But let’s be real: the plot tries to be super clever and ends up kinda messy. It leans too hard on hacking jargon and spy-tech mumbo jumbo, while the “trust no one” theme feels a little predictable after the third twist. It’s entertaining, sure, but not exactly groundbreaking. Think of it as a fun, slightly over-the-top popcorn flick that’ll pass a chill evening.. not a spy classic. ⭐ Verdict: If you’re here for Pacino’s charisma or Farrell’s rising-star energy, The Recruit delivers enough to keep you hooked. Just don’t expect flawless storytelling.. this is more of a stylish, twisty ride than a deep dive into spy drama. See more Jun 14 I enjoyed this movie. I thought it had a little too much predictability. But it kept you guessing just enough that it worked. I thought the 3 mains were really good. Good movie. See more John A @ExcessMale Apr 21 You would think with a cast like this and an opening act that strongly sets the stage we would end up in the thick of a compelling thriller that has as brains along with contemporary style. The first half is obviously better than the second. See more Anthony C 10/23/2024 Love Al Pacino! Great movie! See more Read all reviews
The Recruit

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Movie Info

Synopsis In an era when the country's first line of defense - human intelligence - is more important than ever, comes an explosive thriller that gives an insider's view into the CIA's secret training ground: The Farm. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) might not have the attitude of a typical recruit, but he is one of the smartest graduating seniors in the country -- and he's just the person that Walter Burke (Al Pacino) wants in the Agency.
Director
Roger Donaldson
Producer
Roger Birnbaum, Jeff Apple, Gary Barber
Screenwriter
Roger Towne, Kurt Wimmer, Mitch Glazer
Distributor
Touchstone Pictures
Production Co
Spyglass Entertainment
Rating
PG-13 (Sexuality|Language|Violence)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 31, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$52.8M
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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