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Former Marine turned C.I.A. analyst and financial whiz, Jack Ryan (Chris Pine), uncovers a Russian plot to send the U.S. economy into a second great depression. Deployed to Moscow, Ryan will have to use his cover as a financial analyst to investigate Viktor Cherevin (Kenneth Branagh) all the while dancing precariously close to death. Following the guidance of Commander Harper (Kevin Costner) getting to the bottom of the terrorist plot will take some serious digging. Making matters worse Jack’s girlfriend, Cathy Muller (Keira Knightley), is growing increasingly suspicious of Jack’s activities and plans a surprise visit to Moscow. Now getting out from behind the iron curtain alive will be harder than ever. Staying fairly close to Tom Clancy’s original character Director Kenneth Branagh successfully creates an interesting reboot of a fond C.I.A. favorite. And, while we’re not exactly panning new gold in the spy thriller department, a competent and fun story is told none the less. Granted, the final act does make some incredibly large jumps of logic and does unwind into an utter paint by numbers action flick, don’t let that detract from the fun of the rest of the ride. Sharp acting from the ensemble makes for an easy watch, although some of the editing is a bit questionable and stylized. Still worth your attention despite this sea of Oscar madness, Rack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is rated PG-13.

Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) is madly in love with his girlfriend Angela (Tika Sumpter) and wants to get married. But, before Angela will say yes, Ben will have to get the approval of her overprotective brother and last remaining relative, James (Ice Cube). James also happens to be a hardened police officer in the Atlanta PD, and Ben happens to be a security guard who’s just been accepted into the police academy. In an attempt to show James he’s worthy of Angela, a ride along is scheduled. At first it’s all fun and games, but, when the two stumble into the dirty dealings of criminal mastermind Omar (Lawrence Fishburn) it’s all business, now to save their own necks. Going for shock value with fast talking absurdity and often the low hanging fruit of blue humor, the writers of Ride Along haven’t exactly created cinema magic with their prose. Tough sells in the acting department as well; while there are bit parts from the likes of John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill and of course Laurence Fishburne, the work from our two leads is rough at best. Stale in concept and stale in performance this one just screams January release or straight to DVD. Pass on the Ride Along, rated PG-13.