The Hunt for Red October

Starring: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Sam Neill, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, Tim Curry, Stellan Skarsgaard, Jeffrey Jones
Directed by: John McTiernan
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
1990

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A Soviet sub goes missing, led by a defecting captain (Sean Connery). As the nuclear sub heads toward America, only CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) can convince the U.S. that the approaching sub does not pose a threat to national security.

Review:

Tim: I just love this movie. Growing up, this was my favorite movie for several years. It is a textbook example of great filmmaking, and tells an intense, thrilling story. The movie is incredibly entertaining.

The cast is superb. Sean Connery just flat out nails the role. He is tough yet likeable and sympathetic. He is a remarkable character, and Connery brings him to life with his tremendous performance. As far as Jack Ryan goes, Harrison Ford will always be my favorite, but Alec Baldwin gives him a run for his money. Baldwin isn't one of the actors I usually enjoy watching, but this might be the best performance I've seen him give. The rest of the supporting cast is excellent, from Sam Neill to Scott Glenn and James Earl Jones, and even Stellan Skarsgaard in a small performance that works.

The film is incredibly intense. Since most of the scenes take place in the claustrophobic setting of submarines, this adds to the sheer excitement and nervousness that we experience. The battles are superb and I do not have words to describe watching completely competent and capable captains like Connery and Glenn in total control of their vessels.

All the Jack Ryan movies are solid, and this one is clearly the best in the series. Political thrillers are an amazing subgenre, and combining those elements with the intensity of a submarine movie, you have an explosive and thrilling film that delivers on all cylinders. The Hunt for Red October is a great movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games, The Sum of All Fears