by Henry Pham
Jack Ryan: Ghost War takes place some time after the events of the Amazon series, focusing on the titular character who is reluctantly thrust back into the world of espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to confront a rogue black-ops unit. Operating in real time with lives on the line and the threat escalating at every turn, Jack reunites with the CIA operative Mike November and former CIA boss James Greer. They discovered that their combined experience is the only edge they have against an enemy who knows their every move. Backed by an unlikely new partner, MI6 officer Emma Marlowe, Jack and the team must navigate a treacherous web of betrayal, facing a past they thought was long put to rest.
John Krasinski, best known as Jim Halpert in NBC’s The Office, returns as Jack Ryan. Michael Kelly (Netflix’s House of Cards) and Wendell Pierce (HBO’s The Wire) reprise their roles as CIA operative Mike November and former CIA director James Greer. Betty Gabriel (Get Out) returns as CIA director Elizabeth Wright, while Sienna Miller (Foxcatcher, American Sniper) joins as MI6 officer Emma Marlowe. The cast delivers strong performances, with Krasinski standing out as the central force of the film. His portrayal positions him among iconic action heroes such as James Bond, Ethan Hunt, John Wick, and Hutch Mansell.
Notably, Michael Bay is not involved in this film. Jack Ryan: Ghost War is the sixth installment in the franchise and continues the Amazon series that aired from 2018 to 2023. Andrew Bernstein makes his feature directorial debut, with Krasinski also contributing as writer and producer. The film features intense action sequences, dynamic car chases, and well-timed humor, supported by Arnau Valls Colomer’s cinematography and a screenplay by Krasinski and Aaron Rabin. While the film focuses on action, politics, and suspense, Krasinski’s creative direction brings depth and emotion. Some slow-motion scenes and rapid pacing may feel excessive, but overall, references to previous Ryanverse films will satisfy longtime fans.
I wasn’t familiar with the franchise (except for Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin’s version), as I’m not used to these action and thriller films, despite being a movie lover. They were Hollywood’s golden boys before superhero films became a thing. Although I didn’t watch the series as I’m not a television buff, I’m glad I got the chance to see Krasinski’s take on this character. And even though it’s an Amazon Prime Video movie, I’m so grateful, if not lucky, to watch this in theaters early for a full cinema experience before it comes out on TV. I think the fans of the show (and the franchise) will never be disappointed by this latest installment. With 105 minutes of action and solitude, John Krasinski delivers the fun, heart, action, and thriller in Jack Ryan: Ghost War, making this story more than it meets the eye. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the franchise and for John Krasinski’s role as Jack Ryan. If you feel the need for some high-stakes mission, this is the ticket worth your while.
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