Follows Jack Ryan, who reunites with CIA operatives to navigate a treacherous web of betrayal against an enemy who knows their every move, facing a past they thought was long put to rest.
My connection to the JACK RYAN universe started back in 1990, when I saw “The Hunt for Red October” on the big screen. Since then, I’ve followed the many interpretations of Jack Ryan—each actor, from Alec Baldwin to Harrison Ford (who remains my favorite), Ben Affleck, and Chris Pine, has put their own spin on the character. When John Krasinski was announced as the next Ryan, I was doubtful. He was best known as Jim Halpert, the everyman from “The Office,” the kind of guy you’d trust with your lunch order, not national security. Despite my reservations, I went in with an open mind, and it didn’t take long for Krasinski to win me over. His take on Ryan feels truer to Tom Clancy’s original concept: a reluctant hero who’d rather be crunching numbers than dodging bullets. Krasinski brings a subtle physical presence and palpable reluctance to the role, making his performance stand out from those that came before.
In “Ghost War,” we find Jack Ryan having walked away from the CIA and settled into life in New York. The film picks up right after the events of the television series’ fourth season. Ryan, newly separated from his girlfriend Cathy, is trying to move on when James Greer (Wendell Pierce), his long-time CIA ally, and Mike November (Michael Kelly) approach him with what’s supposed to be a simple request. Ryan insists he’s finished with espionage, but Greer is persistent: all he needs is for him to meet a contact in Dubai and pick up a package. Out of loyalty, Ryan reluctantly agrees. But things unravel quickly—his contact is murdered, and both Ryan and Mike are taken captive by Emma Marlow (Sienna Miller), an MI6 agent with her own agenda.
It soon becomes clear that Greer’s old acquaintance, a former military colleague, is behind the chaos. He’s revived “Starling,” a secretive black-ops program capable of sparking international crises. Greer reveals that Starling was formed after 9/11 to eliminate threats to the U.S., but it was shut down when things went off the rails. Now, with Starling back in play, Ryan, Greer, Mike, Emma, and MI6 must work together to stop a major attack in London. The race is on to prevent disaster, and it’s only the start of a much larger confrontation.
“Ghost War” is packed with tension, fast-paced action, and plenty of intrigue. The performances are strong across the board, and Krasinski proves once more why he’s a natural fit for Jack Ryan. I hope the franchise keeps turning out films at a steady pace—there’s clearly more story to tell.
There’s a clever nod for longtime fans: an explosive sequence takes place in the courtyard of Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College, the same spot where Ryan foiled an IRA threat in “Patriot Games.” It’s a subtle callback, but a satisfying one.
While the JACK RYAN TV series has earned plenty of praise, I’m personally glad to see the character back in movie theaters, where his adventures feel most authentic. Even though “Ghost War” will debut on Amazon Prime Video, I was lucky enough to catch it at a critics preview screening. Fans of JACK RYAN won’t be let down by this latest chapter. The film leans more into suspense and intellectual maneuvering than constant action—which fits Ryan’s character perfectly. If you’re looking for wall-to-wall action, you’ll find it with Bond, Bourne, or Ethan Hunt. But if you’re here for smart, high-stakes maneuvering, “Ghost War” is classic Jack Ryan.
Premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, Wednesday, May 20th
10k
20k
1.5k
2.2k