Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Amid a slew of 21st century references, the Cold War feels alive and well in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, the latest big-screen adventure for the venerable hero from Tom Clancy novels.

This installment is not based specifically on a Clancy book, but rather is a contemporary attempt to reboot the character of Ryan, perhaps creating another franchise for star Chris Pine.

The result is a modestly engaging if overly familiar espionage thriller, with the Americans and Russians in yet another cinematic struggle for world domination.

The film functions as a prequel of sorts to some of the other Ryan films, opening with some back story showing Ryan as a Marine whose helicopter is shot down in Afghanistan, leaving him with a variety of physical and emotional wounds. Nevertheless, his courage catches the eye of an intelligence officer (Kevin Costner), who convinces him to join the CIA.

Flash forward a decade, with Ryan as a young intelligence analyst working undercover on Wall Street, something he manages to hide even from his doctor girlfriend (Keira Knightley). Not long afterward, he uncovers a plan by a Russian businessman (Kenneth Branagh) to collapse the American financial system in a sinister act of terrorism.

Having already proven his competency in outer space, Pine (Star Trek) fits the action-hero mold on Earth as well, taking over a role previously played by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford (twice), and most recently, Ben Affleck in The Sum of All Fears (2002).

With his combination of brains and brawn, Pine perhaps is more convincing than necessary for the script by rookie Adam Cozad and veteran David Koepp (Premium Rush). The globetrotting cat-and-mouse story — which shifts between London, Moscow, New York and elsewhere — isn’t as clever as the other Ryan outings, with the predictably big finale throwing most logic out the window.

Branagh might seem an odd fit as the director here, although his Shakespearean resume segued into big-budget success with Thor. While the action sequences are a bit choppy, he adds some slick and stylish touches to the straightforward material. Plus, his villain has more depth than might be expected.

While not as subtle or suspenseful as some of its predecessors, Shadow Recruit might satisfy fans of the Ryan character, as long as they’re not expecting an authentic portrayal of global finance or international politics.

Rated PG-13, 105 minutes.