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"Nothing is what it seems" is the subtext to The Recruit, a psychological spy thriller showcasing the talents of two actors from different generations. Al Pacino, as usual, is brilliant: This time as the aging, manipulative mentor of the CIA; and Colin Farrell would easily be one of my new favourite actors if he just chose to stop cashing in on crap movies between his good ones.

James Clayton (Farrell) is a computer science student recruited by Walter Burke at the CIA (Pacino), who is then trained and eventually assigned to spy on fellow recruit Layla (Bridget Moynahan). The latter is suspected as a mole, leaking top secret data from the company, but Clayton finds himself becoming intimately involved with her, prompting his mentor to question whether or not his candidate is ready to take things to the next level of investigation.

Of all the reviews I've read of The Recruit thus far, critics seem to be frequently making the point that the film's ending was very predictable, but in all honesty I did not see it coming. Perhaps, then, I was blinded by my admiration for Pacino; in his role here, he is masterful at capturing not only the trust of his new recruit, but also the viewer. The guy's screen presence really grabs you; the film's plot twists end up being very surprising and entertaining as a result. Farrell is also likable in his role.

There is very little action, which perhaps halts The Recruit from being an exhilarating ride that deserves everyone's avid attention; however, it is still a very watchable movie that you can enjoy mainly for the chemistry between the lead characters.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2008.