THE SUM OF ALL FEARS

The latest adaptation of a Tom Clancy novel featuring Jack Ryan, “THE SUM OF ALL FEARS” is now available on dvd from PARAMOUNT.

Presumably, because Harrison Ford bowed out from continuing the franchise, the studio decided to provide a younger version of Jack Ryan.  Ben Affleck has assumed the role for this film, but we hope that he’s quickly replaced for any and all of the following films.  Let’s start by stating that this critic absolutely loved “GOOD WILL HUNTING” and everything about it! Every performance was great!  With that said, Ben Affleck, in “THE SUM OF ALL FEARS” is horrible! Since he’s proven himself before, it would be unfair to put the bulk of blame with him here.  He’s just so wrong for the part, that he never really had a chance. Not for one instant is he believable here!  Affleck is terrific in every other film we’ve seen him in. Affleck can’t play an action hero! He’s not “tough!”  When Ford isn’t doing an action sequence, he still had a certain degree of toughness simmering just beneath the surface.  Never, is that emotion believable with Affleck.

This is undoubtedly the weakest of the four films making up the “Jack Ryan” series from PARAMOUNT.  The plot to “SUM OF ALL FEARS” involves a group of neo-nazis trying to get the US. and the former Soviet Union to wage a bloody and costly war against each other, by setting off a nuclear bomb in Baltimore, Maryland and making it look like it was caused by the Russians.  The neo-nazis believe that the U.S. would retaliate, causing a bloody war, leaving room for them to come in and assume world power.

To begin with, although any group of Neo-nazis, is “by definition” scary, these villains are so cartoonish here, that it’s not believable.  The script is horrible, and anything that could be compelling is spelled out way in advance! We know exactly who’s going to be killed by the Nazis, and when!  One scene in particular, wherein one of the Neo-nazis disagrees with a plan, leaves the viewer wanting to make a Homer Simpson “doh” sound, as we just know what’s going to happen as he’s allowed to leave the room!  This and many more scenes are ridiculous!

What was annoying with the other “Jack Ryan” films, was the fact that they were so well acted, directed, and written, that it was virtually impossible for an ending to match the greatness and suspense so prevalent throughout the rest of the film.  With “THE SUM OF ALL FEARS”, the bar has been significantly lowered, and yet it still disappoints. 

PARAMOUNT has preserved the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The colors values are solid, with rich colors, and great detail in almost every scene.  The contrast, however, is problematic.  In many of the darker scenes, there’s a complete breakdown of detail.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is excellent!  This is a demonstration quality dvd!  There are numerous layers of effects throughout the film, and sometimes, even when combined with a stirring score, dialogue is always intelligible and free of distortion.  There are numerous LFE effects. Surrounds are used for both ambient and directional effects, virtually throughout the entire film.

PARAMOUNT has provided a fair amount of supplements for this “special edition”. 

To begin with, there are numerous featurettes revolving around casting, visual effects, and the actual production.   

Director Phil Alden Robinson and cinematographer John Lindley provide an audio commentary that’s filled with technical information and some interesting tidbits about the overall production.  However, we preferred the 2^nd commentary, featuring the director with Tom Clancy. 

These two, politically speaking, have been known to be diametrically opposed. Alden’s previous films display a bent towards liberal ideas, and Clancy’s politics are so right-wing, it’s close to being facist.  However, they provide a great commentary, filled with interesting and entertaining tales. It’s worth listening to, and far more entertaining than the actual film.

The original theatrical trailer is included.