Rank: C
In a world that produces hundreds of almost identical action movies per year, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” is notable for doing some things right. Kenneth Branagh is certainly a competent director, at times he’s even been a notable director, and his fingerprints are clear in this film. The nicest thing that can be said about this movie is that it is entertaining, even if it’s a bit generic or predictable. Jack Ryan is not a character many would think is deserving of a feature film, and he is also a character not many have heard of. The movie calls itself a prequel, but a prequel to what? The movie would be almost identical if it was just called “Shadow Recruit.” At the very least, the film is competent. “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” held my attention, but failed to illuminate me.