Search - The Recruit

A brilliant young man is tapped to join the elite branch of American intelligence, only to discover how complex and dangerous the job can really be in this suspense-drama. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) recently completed his studies at MIT, where he graduated at the top of his class and is pondering his next move while he works as a bartender at an upscale nightspot. One evening, Clayton is approached by Walter Burke (Al Pacino), a recruiter for the Central Intelligence Agency, who describes himself as "a scary judge of talent" and believes Clayton is just the sort of man the CIA is looking for. Clayton, who has little interest in an ordinary nine-to-five career and suspects his father (whom Burke claims to have known) worked for the Agency, accepts the offer and is soon sent to the CIA's secret training camp. It soon becomes obvious that Burke's intuition has not failed him; Clayton is smart, fast on his feet, a crack shot, and possesses a very agile mind. In training, Clayton notices a few things, most notably one of his fellow students, Layla (Bridget Moynahan), a beautiful woman whose skills equal his own. Clayton becomes quite infatuated with Layla, and after a fashion the attraction appears to be mutual, but Clayton has to keep in mind Burke's dictum that "nothing is as it seems," especially when Clayton is given a special assignment -- find the mole within the Agency's training program who is actually feeding information to America's enemies. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Al Pacino - Walter Burke
Colin Farrell - Jim Clayton
Bridget Moynahan - Layla Moore
Gabriel Macht - Zach Dawson

Filled with twists, The Recruit is an engaging movie, and the DVD is equally so. Though supplements aren't heavy, the few are noteworthy. First is a commentary track from director Roger Donaldson and star Colin Farrell. The two bounce off of each other, and are quite entertaining as they cover just about any and all subjects. Also included is a nice 16-minute featurette called "Spy School: Inside the CIA Training Program," which is, obviously, a look at the real CIA, with interviews from the producers and director, but more importantly, CIA veteran Chase Brandon. Finally, four deleted scenes are included with optional commentary from the same two men, but strangely enough, Farrell's notorious language has been censored with annoying beeps. The image, framed at 1.77:1 and anamorphic (in an odd move, the theatrical release was 2.35:1) is natural in every way. Composition is still excellent, while colors and black levels are terrific. It's a typically fine transfer from Touchstone; nothing less would be expected. As for sound, both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks are included, and while the film's tracks seem more centered up front, there is some good use of the surrounds at the appropriate moments. Dialogue is clear, while the bass levels seem right on target. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide

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