Without Remorse

As generic as its title, the taut if convoluted vigilante thriller Without Remorse mostly feels like Tom Clancy on autopilot.

The latest big-screen adaptation from the late author’s bibliography functions as a slick origin story for recurring action hero John Kelly, layered with the usual sociopolitical intrigue but lacking consistent suspense amid its genre tropes.

Like his character, Michael B. Jordan gives his best effort in the face of adversity, navigating a maze of cloudy motives and red herrings as the Navy SEAL trying to avenge the murder of his pregnant wife (Lauren London) by retaliatory Russian gangsters.

Kelly’s superior officer (Jodie Turner-Smith) becomes an ally in his quest — some of her own men were killed likely by the same assassins — although he remains suspicious that a CIA operative (Jamie Bell) is still holding a grudge after they butted heads during a tour in Syria. Higher up, the Secretary of Defense (Guy Pearce) seems too eager to give Kelly the resources he needs.

Kelly tries to balance loyalty to his military values with his personal quest for revenge. Uncertain who he can trust, his mission requires resilience and resourcefulness, brains and brawn. And eventually, he realizes his cause might be bigger than himself.

Even when his character’s arrogance and bitterness cloud his judgment, Jordan’s charisma gives us a rooting interest and provides an emotional anchor. The actor again showcases his versatility and star power by outshining the mundane material.

Some twists are more compelling than others in the derivative screenplay, which explores bureaucratic coverups and the military-industrial complex, among other topics, through Clancy’s vaguely patriotic lens. There are hints of character-driven depth and sophistication, yet the film too often indulges in shallow action cliches that don’t drive the plot.

Steered by Italian director Stefano Sollima (Sicario: Day of the Soldado), the simmering tension never amounts to much as the film strains credibility in the second half — a sequence set aboard an attacked airliner is an egregious example.

Considering the source material (the plot details of which have been completely reworked here), Without Remorse is likely intended as a franchise launch pad. However, while the globetrotting locales might suggest otherwise, from a narrative standpoint, it covers familiar territory.

Rated R, 109 minutes.