Despite Ford, ‘Danger’ Boring, Not Enough Action

Wed., Aug. 17, 1994

Sharma Shields Ferris

“Clear and Present Danger” is clear and present boredom. Although Harrison Ford is one of the most lovable actors in America, his intense acting doesn’t come close to rescuing this movie.

Ford plays Jack Ryan, who is promoted from analyst to acting deputy director of the CIA. He becomes involved in the constant battle against drugs and finds himself fighting the most powerful men in South America and the United States.

Although the plot is pretty strong, this movie drags on and on, leaving you wishing you weren’t squashed into one of the theater chairs. This two hour and 20-minute film is simply not powerful enough to keep you interested for its lengthy running time. “Clear and Present Danger” does not have what it takes to be considered a satisfying movie.

Do not expect an action-packed film. Ford only comes close to being murdered once, and this moment could never be considered suspenseful. In fact, there is not one minute in the film where you are on the edge of your seat. If you are, it’s probably because you’re excited to leave.

Another thing: Do not expect drama. “Clear and Present Danger” lacks mental intensity through the whole movie. The most dramatic line of the movie is as follows:

“How dare you insult the president of the United States!” says the president (played by a very bad actor named Donald Moffat).

“How dare you, sir!” says Ford rather stupidly (whose character seems to be at a loss for words).

Obviously, the script writers were not very interested in transforming Tom Clancy’s novel into a movie. They have several lame statements like the one above that fail to dramatize the film.

The only good thing in “Clear and Present Danger” is the acting by Ford and James Earl Jones. Jones plays the CIA director who is dying of cancer and offers advice to Ford. Ford, who has always portrayed the perfect American hero, should have turned down this role and waited until something better came up.

“Clear and Present Danger” should have been kept a book and nothing more. This movie is very long and very dull, and anyone not interested in boring political stories should shy away from watching it.

Grade: D

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