Amazon's latest Jack Ryan adventure, Ghost War, has failed to impress critics, with many describing the feature-length continuation of the streaming series as middling and low-rent. John Krasinski returns as the CIA analyst turned hedge fund employee, but reviewers argue his portrayal lacks the conviction of previous actors who tackled the role, including Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck.
The film follows Ryan as he is pulled back into the espionage world after his former boss, James Greer, asks for a favour during a business trip to Dubai. A murder sets him on a collision course with MI6 agent Emma Marlow and contractor Mike November, leading to a plot to revive terrorist groups. While the story stands alone adequately, critics note that it is more coherent than competent.
Reviews particularly criticise the screenplay, which Krasinski co-wrote, citing weak dialogue and an over-reliance on tired phrases. The geopolitical outlook is described as firmly rooted in the late 2000s, ignoring modern political realities, which makes the film feel like a period piece rather than a contemporary thriller.
Action sequences, including a car chase and shootouts, provide some entertainment, but they are not enough to elevate the overall experience. With a running time of 105 minutes, the film leaves its reason for existing unclear, especially when compared with the stronger theatrical Jack Ryan movies that preceded it.
