The Recruit 2003

The Recruit

Critics Consensus

This polished thriller is engaging until it takes one twist too many into the predictable.

43%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 167

58%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 110,251

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The Recruit Photos

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Movie Info

In an era when the country's first line of defense - human intelligence - is more important than ever, comes an explosive thriller that gives an insider's view into the CIA's secret training ground: The Farm. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) might not have the attitude of a typical recruit, but he is one of the smartest graduating seniors in the country -- and he's just the person that Walter Burke (Al Pacino) wants in the Agency.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Sexuality|Language|Violence)
  • Genre:
    mystery and thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Roger Donaldson
  • Producer:
    Roger Birnbaum, Jeff Apple, Gary Barber
  • Writer:
    Roger Towne, Kurt Wimmer, Mitch Glazer
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $52.8M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Spyglass Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Al Pacino
Walter Burke
Colin Farrell
James Clayton
Bridget Moynahan
Layla Moore
Gabriel Macht
Zach
Karl Pruner
Slayne
Eugene Lipinski
Husky Man
Kenneth Mitchell
Alan
Mike Realba
Ronnie Gibson
Roger Donaldson
Director
Roger Towne
Screenwriter
Kurt Wimmer
Screenwriter
Mitch Glazer
Screenwriter
Roger Birnbaum
Producer
Jeff Apple
Producer
Gary Barber
Producer
Jonathan Glickman
Executive Producer
Ric Kidney
Executive Producer
Stuart Dryburgh
Director of Photography
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News & Interviews for The Recruit

Second Poseidon Trailer Hits the Waves
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Critic Reviews for The Recruit

All Critics (167) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (71) | Rotten (96)

View All Critic Reviews (167)

Audience Reviews for The Recruit

  • Jun 03, 2013
    The CIA recruiting was kinda neat at first, even if it feels not very plausible, I was entertained but then it relied later on twists and turns that everyone saw coming, leaving room for subpar acting, boring story and not much entertaining sequences towards the end.
    Francisco G Super Reviewer
  • Feb 03, 2012
    The Recruit is a film that showcases an interesting idea, but simply doesn't quite get there. It's a great shame because this film could have been something great, unfortunately it falls flat after 45 minutes in, and the plot seems to stop dead in its tracks. The recruit could have been a good film, but instead it just becomes a mediocre film that ends up being a waste of time. You'd think that a film with a strong lead in Al Pacino would be good, right? Well, this one disappoints and by the end of the film you feel that something is missing to really make this film a must see film. Unfortunately , this film is not interesting, and the plot goes nowhere after 45 minutes. The acting was decent, but overall everything seems out of place after a while. The Recruit is a pointless action film that just doesn't deliver. I thought the film could have been much better than this, and it was a total waste. The Recruit had a good idea for a plot, unfortunately the second act of the film just doesn't deliver, and that's what makes this film mediocre. The Recruit is one of those films that had a good idea, but due to a poor script, simply doesn't cut it, and ends up being a flawed film. If you're looking for a good action spy thriller, then don't watch this film. This film is quite disappointing and ends up being a dud by the time the credits role.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Jan 24, 2012
    It's an interesting movie at first, with a somewhat solid history but in some parts becomes very predictable, it changes and things you do not expect but most are easy to guess. The performances and characters are acceptable, but this movie is only entertaining.
    Rodrigo R Super Reviewer
  • Sep 11, 2011
    Spy thriller film directed by Roger Donaldson, starring Colin Farrell, Al Pacino and Bridget Moynahan.James Clayton (Colin Farrell), a computer programming expert at MIT, is recruited by senior CIA instructor Walter Burke (Al Pacino) to test for a position with the agency.With a "nothing is what it seems" plot, full of turnovers this is a very well made film.Great fun.
    Andre T Super Reviewer
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