STORYLINE: In 1983, a series of increasingly violent bank robberies, counterfeiting operations and armored car heists frightened communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. As baffled law enforcement agents scrambled for answers, a lone FBI agent (Law), stationed in the sleepy, picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, came to believe the crimes were not the work of traditional, financially motivated criminals but a group of dangerous domestic terrorists, inspired by a radical, charismatic leader (Hoult), plotting a devastating war against the federal government of the United States. (IMDb) 

     In the 1960s and 1070s there were a string of paranoia films released. The Manchurian Candidate, The Conversation, The Parallax View just to name a few. With the state of the world in 2024 it’s not such of a surprise that the Jude Law feature, The Order, is reminiscent of this genre. 

    Much like these films, of a generation ago, that I am fond of, The Order captures that feeling of paranoia.  In doing so it creates a natural slow burn. The first Jack Reacher, starring Tom Cruise, film did this as well.  When you add these two factors together The Order becomes a great suspense film. 

     What the film hinges on are the action sequences.  They are not lavish and over the top, like what you would expect in a James Bond film.  They are straight forward thrilling, much like those found in the Jason Bourne series.  None of the action sequences over stayed there welcome either. I have had that problem in recent action films like the MCU.  

    A nice slow pace + well crafted action sequences = The Order and it is safe to say I enjoyed it even though it won’t make my top ten films of 2024 when I publish that list later this month. 

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!