The Sum of All Fears: A Thrilling, Yet Flawed, Clancy Adaptation
“The Sum of All Fears” has a few redeeming qualities: the intense nuclear explosion, the gravitas of Morgan Freeman, and the commendable effort to avoid stereotypical Russian accents. However, this fourth adaptation of Tom Clancy’s bestseller generally falls short of its predecessors (“The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games,” “Clear and Present Danger”).
A Clichéd Depiction of Russia
Filmed in Canada, the movie presents a cartoonish version of Russia. For instance, the Russian president receives the CIA director and his team in a ridiculously gothic hall, with only a passport photographer present. This president even berates the CIA director while posing for the archaic camera. As is typical, the Kremlin offices are shrouded in darkness, reminiscent of old Hollywood depictions. While the film is heavy on Russian stereotypes, viewers from other regions might find similar issues with the portrayals of Haifa and Egyptian landscapes.
Ultimately, “The Sum of All Fears” is a political thriller focused on entertainment rather than realism, especially when dealing with a hypothetical Third World War scenario.
Clancy’s Formula: Intrigue Over Realism
Clancy’s storytelling, which has sold over 6 million copies, is undeniably engaging. The film opens with a prologue where Israelis accidentally drop a bomb in Egypt thirty years prior. In the present day, the American president and his cabinet conduct a nuclear war drill. Meanwhile, impoverished locals unearth the lost bomb and sell it on the black market. Ben Affleck, playing Jack Ryan, watches a televised appearance of a drunk Russian president and offers commentary. Soon after, the president collapses and dies. Affleck is then shown in a romantic scene. Simultaneously, a mysterious Alan Bates receives an enigmatic email. These seemingly disparate events introduce the characters and set the stage for a complex plot.
A Multi-Layered Plot
Affleck’s character ends up working for Freeman’s at the CIA, and is sent to inspect a Russian nuclear facility and meet the new Russian president. This new president is seemingly out of touch, with hawkish military figures pulling the strings. One of these figures is a member of a terrorist organization led by the billionaire Alan Bates. The fragmented events gradually coalesce into a larger intrigue, revealing layers of the plot. The narrative structure resembles a multi-stage rocket, with each stage shedding components as it progresses towards its goal. The goal is to bring the world to the brink of war, only to be saved by an unassuming American. The film’s pacing and intricate plot make it difficult to miss any crucial details.
Over-the-Top Moments and Saving Graces
However, the film occasionally stretches credibility. For instance, Affleck’s character has a brief opportunity to speak directly with the Russian president and convey crucial information to the American cabinet. Instead of delivering the vital facts, he engages in a sentimental exchange, undermining his credibility. Despite these moments of absurdity, the film is saved by its fast pace and a few redeeming elements.
Freeman’s character has a surprisingly trim waistline in his long black coat. James Cromwell delivers a memorable line about regretting his lifelong ambition to become president. The new Russian president bears a striking resemblance to a real-life Russian politician, adding an unintentional layer of humor. The Baltimore explosion is impressively rendered, reflecting the film’s substantial budget. Michael Byrne’s portrayal of a Russian aide is also noteworthy. Director Phil Alden Robinson maintains a steady rhythm and keeps the narrative on track.
Final Verdict
As a popcorn flick tailored for male audiences, “The Sum of All Fears” offers a chance to enjoy some over-the-top action, poke fun at Russian stereotypes, and marvel at the American-centric worldview. Despite its flaws, it remains an entertaining, if not entirely insightful, thriller.