Tom Clancy’s WITHOUT REMORSE – A Review by Cynthia Flores
This new film is the kind that is hard to review. Not because it’s a weird Art House artsy-fartsy kind of film. Instead, because it’s a film based on a Tom Clancy novel where every character counts and every scene means something when you’re first watching it. To give it a good review, I have to stay a little vague, or I’ll give away too much of the film, and that would be a shame. Because this movie is worth turning off your cell phone, grabbing some popcorn, sitting down in a comfortable chair, and buckling in for a hell of a ride.
The overview of the plot is this. This is the origin story of action hero Sr. Chief John Kelly (Michael B. Jordan). He is one of the most popular characters created by bestselling author Tom Clancy in the Jack Ryan Universe. John is an elite Navy Seal who uncovers an international conspiracy while seeking revenge when a squad of Russian soldiers kills his family. They attack him and his Seal team on American soil in retaliation for their role in a top-secret operation with the CIA. John pursues the assassins at all costs.
John joins forces with fellow Seal, Lt. Commander Karen Greer (Jodie Turner-Smith), and a shadowy CIA agent named Robert Ritter (Jamie Bell). All backed by Secretary of Defense Thomas Clay (Guy Pearce) to get the job done. Kelly’s mission unwittingly exposes a covert plot that threatens to engulf the US and Russia in an all-out war.
Torn between personal honor and loyalty to his country, Kelly must fight his enemies without remorse if he hopes to avert disaster and reveal the powerful figures behind the conspiracy.
Without Remorse is a perfect showcase for Michael B. Jordan. He not only shines as the star in this action-packed film, but he is also one of the producers. Giving him more control over how this franchise is being created. For example, the choice of Italian director Stefano Sollima was perfect for this project. He has an elegant style around stories about complex dynamics between law and order and the bad guys. Added to the magic of this film is the inspired cinematography of Oscar winner Philippe Rousselot. He is a master of his craft and makes the action scenes breathe with life and not simply violence. Lucky for us, everything has fallen into place to bring to life the complex character of Seal Sr. Chief John Kelly. I can’t wait to see more.
I give Without Remorse a 4.5-star rating. It’s a fast-paced, exciting thriller worthy of adding to the Clancy mantle of compelling stories.
Director: Stefano Sollima
Written by: Taylor Sheridan, Will Staples, (Novel) Tom Clancy
Rated: R
Running Time: 1hr 50min
Action/ Adventure/ Thriller
Release: April 30th Amazon Prime Video
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell, Guy Pearce
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
