The result, except for the stock action climax, is sharp, fast, bitter. [19 September 1994, p. 38]
90
The New Yorker
The New Yorker
The filmmakers haven't simply tamed the rogue elephant of Clancy's narrative; they've turned it into something that moves as gracefully and as powerfully as a gazelle.
Another fast, gripping spy story with some good tricks up its sleeve.
80
TimeRichard Schickel
TimeRichard Schickel
The movie has two other qualities you don't always find in films of this kind: a sense of humor and a sense of character. [15 August 1994, p. 61]
78
Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle
There is enough intrigue to keep it interesting, and if it ever feels too slow, try counting the number of people who get betrayed.
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
The plot alone is a thing of beauty.
63
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
Enjoyable, but it's a shallow enjoyment.
60
EmpireKim Newman
EmpireKim Newman
Earlier Clancy films alternated between the dull and the ridiculous. First-rate writers like Steven Zaillian and the great John Milius have managed to make this considerably meatier.
60
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
There's nothing "wrong" with this movie but it feels like warmed-over business as usual.
58
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
As a thriller, this 21 2-hour production takes a slow route between short bursts of excitement.