DVD Review

The Hunt for Red October

Despite really fine acting and a director who nails the mood to the detail, ultimately it was the story that kept me dangling at more of a rock solid rating for The Hunt for Red October.

This was the first time in years that I had seen Red October in its entirety, and by this viewing I had forgotten most of the film?s scenes, making way for an almost fresh experience. There are a lot of factors to like in this film, ranging from the spot-on acting by many, to the director?s skillful approach at convincing the viewer that they really are in a submarine for most of the duration. Many claim Red October as an excellent film, and as well made as the picture is it was the James Bond-underwater roots that lured me away from a more bold rating.
The Hunt for Red October is a movie that beneath the surface is a standard good-guy, bad-guy story. But through director John McTiernan?s style, the film is turned into a very classy production consisted of A-list actors playing their roles to their potential, neat visual effects, and nice tension. This is entertainment at one of its better times; however, the formulaic nature of the protagonist/antagonist angle still hit me as the movie was playing.

Adapted from Tom Clancy?s best-selling novel, Hunt for Red October follows what happens when Captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), head of a new high-tech submarine, has American officials predicting an attack. This sends Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), a CIA analyst, investigating into the matter, figuring out whether or not Ramis is going to defect.

Though Red October is not the most enjoyable installment in the Jack Ryan collection in my eyes, it is inarguably the biggest in production values. With its underwater setting and huge submarines to deal with, the film is larger scaled than the other Ryan editions and quite possibly the best directed one of the pack. The acting across the board is mostly terrific, with Connery, Sam Neil, and James Earl Jones highlights.

While Baldwin serves as a solid player for the lead hero, his presence just didn?t seem to boast the ideal James Bond-like glare even though the execution worked. After seeing Harrison Ford play the character in the next two follow-ups (Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger) it?s sort of disappointing to see an actor like Ben Affleck grab the role in Sum of All Fears. Despite enjoying that Jack Ryan installment, Affleck did not offer the bold protagonist presence the role demanded; but then again there?s probably a reason Ford opted out.

Hunt for Red October is a type of very rewarding experience, as each actor is for the most part expertly cast and McTiernan understands mood, inserting a beautiful musical score by Basil Poledouris as well. The film is not necessarily an action flick, as a lot of the duration is sitting around and waiting but the acting and tension produced engages attention spans, leaving suspense to linger throughout its running time.

The picture is nice evidence to how a film can be intelligent and very entertaining at the same time, yet the premise is not profound enough to reach substantial levels. In terms of filmmaking this is probably the most accomplished attempt in the Jack Ryan collection, but in the ways of popcorn fun Clear & Present Danger still wins in my vote; however, Red October is still a very fine achievement.

DVD Features:
- Commentary by Director John McTiernan
- 'Beneath the Surface' - New Cast & Crew Interviews
- Theatrical Trailer
- Widescreen

Audio Features:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound + DTS
- English Subtitles
- Spanish Subtitles

Lee's Grade: B+
Ranked #5 of 21 between Pacific Heights (#4) and Misery (#6) for 1990 movies.

A	0.4%
B	30.0%
C	61.7%
D	8.0%
F	0.0%