The Sum of All Fears Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)June 8th, 2002
THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (2002) / ***
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson. Screenplay by Paul Attanasio and Daniel Pyne, based on the novel by Tom Clancy. Starring Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, James Cromell. Running time: 123 minutes. Rated AA for violent scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on June 6th, 2002.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: During a trip to Russia to inspect a nuclear disarmament facility, rookie CIA agent Jack Ryan (Affleck) and his superior, Bill Cabot (Freeman), uncover the disappearance of three atomic scientists. Working with veteran spy John Clark (Liev Schreiber), Ryan discovers that a third power is involved, plotting to send American President Fowler (Cromwell) and neophyte Russian President Nemerov (Ciarán Hinds) on a collision course toward nuclear war.
Review: Arriving in theatres less than a year after the horrific events of September 11th, "The Sum Of All Fears" attains an unintended poignancy. Some may find its developments difficult to endure, but at its heart, "Sum" is nonetheless another politico-espionage thriller in much the same vein as past Tom Clancy-derived films such as "The Hunt For Red October" or "Clear And Present Danger". The threat of global catastrophe is just the hook here; its true implications, on the human level, are never really considered. And while that might make "Sum" a little superficial, it's hard to really criticise the movie on this basis -- this is an action flick first and foremost, and a good one, too. "Sum" manages to weave a clever, exciting story without ever getting bogged down in its detail. The events span three continents and involve numerous groups jockeying for position and power, but the play-by-play is easy to follow. Affleck -- taking over the role of Jack Ryan, James Bond style, from Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin -- plays the hero well and is certainly worth cheering for, but it is unfortunate that the character continues to get blander and blander with each recasting. Freeman is enjoyable in a familiar mentor role. Cromwell, Alan Bates, Philip Baker Hall and Bruce McGill excel at putting a flawed, human face on the US President and his administration.
Copyright © 2002 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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