Kenneth Branagh Knows JACK…RYAN

It looks like Kenneth Branagh is now in the frame to direct the Paramount Pictures new Jack Ryan film, which is set to see Star Trek’s Chris Pine take over the role from Ben Affleck, Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin.

Branagh directing of the project is great news. He can direct smart audience pleasing movies (see Dead Again and last year’s smash Thor.) Furthermore his movies often include great performances and receive critical acclaim. Sure, he has delivered the odd misfire (Frankenstein –of course comes to mind, but even tha is visually impressive!)

While the Irish born Branagh may not necessarily offer the all-American directorial chops of The Sum of All Fears’ Phil Alden Robinson or The Hunt for Red October, he is in the same boat as Phillip Noyce, the Australian helmer of Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.

Jack Bender was set to direct the latest cinematic instalment of Tom Clancy’s character, but he pulled out due to scheduling issues.

I’m pleased with Branagh as the choice for director, but I’m not on-board with Chris Pine. The man is the personification of bland. And now that most have forgiven Ben Affleck for his cinematic transgressions –give him a call. You know it makes sense.