Pacino carries 'The Recruit'

Al Pacino delivers an "always Al" performance in "The Recruit," his newest blockbuster. "The Godfather," "Scarface," "The Devil's Advocate," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Any Given Sunday" - in each movie Al Pacino plays essentially the same character. His coarse voice, slow demeanor and intense expression are ever present and are not omitted from "The Recruit." Up-and-coming actor Colin Farrell plays opposite Pacino as James Clayton, a recent MIT graduate being courted by the CIA. Walter Burke (Pacino) acts as a recruiter enticing Clayton to enter the CIA by proving that he knows stories of Clayton's distanced father. After much deliberation, Clayton agrees to check out the organization. Upon phoning Burke, Clayton is invited to The Farm, the C.I.A.'s training grounds. Numerous other recruits join Clayton at The Farm, including Layla Moore, played by Bridget Moynahan. Moore is a sexy Russian-looking brunette who adds the love interest effect necessary of all major movies. The recruits undergo multiple tests at The Farm, from learning to fake lie detector tests to learning to use interrogation to deceive others. These tests lead to the eventual development of the plot. Just as the audience thinks the tests are almost over, a major twist occurs and leaves movie-goers on the edge of their seats. The movie offers awesome action sequences paired with smart dialogue and a few steamy scenes making the movie perfect for all audiences. Local movie theater manager Tim Wiser described the crowds that have viewed the movie as "early-20s to late-20s males with their dates." Wiser added that the movie started "very strong its first weekend but decreased steadily through the week." There were a few downfalls in the movie. At times the dialogue and the twists and turns throughout made it slightly difficult to follow. Pacino's skilled acting helped to smooth things out, but the script just seems a bit shaky. Female audiences will love the "Fight Club"-esque cuts and bruises and grimy look that Farrell pulls off. The guys won't be disappointed either, as newcomer Bridget Moynahan oozes steaming hot sex appeal. Once you figure out exactly what is happening, "The Recruit" delivers a superb movie-going experience. Rating: B+