All right now. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction – Standard Edition is next for us and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Why? Because it’s not the first time we tackle Tom Clancy’s projects. Whether it’s his books, movies, or video games. In fact, we already did a great review of Without Remorse. The last adaptation of Tom Clancy’s books that is. It had Michael B. Jordan in the lead role and you can read our review here. However, we’re here about some more of those. Film adaptations of Tom Clancy’s books.
Rainbow Six Extraction: Hollywood Loves Tom Clancy’s Book
Tom Clancy’s film adaptations are the perfect proof of that of course. There are plenty of them but we’re about the best ones out there. Naturally, since we weren’t so crazy about Without Remorse, we’re gonna exclude it from this list. But we’re also gonna focus on films that are not just older… But with better quality. Also, this list is in no particular order. Nor descending nor ascending so take it with a grain of salt. Oh, and one last thing…If some of your picks are not on this list then feel free to share it with us. We’d love to know all about your favorite Tom Clancy film adaptation. All right. With all of that out of the way…. Let’s begin, shall we?
What’s Rainbow Six Extraction All About?
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction – Standard Edition if you will. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, Rainbow Six Extraction is a cool one to a three-player cooperative tactical first-person shooter. For decades, Team Rainbow has been the shield against the worst global threats imaginable. Now, we face the greatest terror yet. Alethal, mutating alien parasite.
The aliens featured in the game are called the “Archæans“. In addition to the standard enemies, there are also special variants. Such as the spikers that can shoot sharp projectiles from their body, and rooters that can slow the player down significantly. Unlike most other cooperative multiplayer games, Extraction has a slower pace. Players’ health does not regenerate, and health pick-ups, supplies and ammo are scarce. Stealth is encouraged here. If the player is detected by an opponent after making too much noise, it will shriek and attract more enemies.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction – Standard Edition is available for purchase here. However, if you’re interested in other games from the series, feel free to click here and pick the best one for you. The choices are plentiful and it’s up to you to make the best choice. Do it here.
And What Are Some Of The Critics Saying About it?
- “An enthralling strategy shooter” says The Guardian
- “Explosive, exhilarating, and endlessly entertaining – 9/10 says God is a Geek.
- “Oozes excitement” – 4/5 adds Radio Times
So…. Which Flicks Made The Cut Here?
Well, scroll down to find out. Look. Tom Clancy’s works don’t really need much introduction. Nor the film adaptations of his books. However, do you know that The Hunt for Red October is the first film adaptation of his book? So far there are 8 feature-length film adaptations in total, 2 short movies and one TV series. But here and now we’re gonna focus on the feature-length movies. We’ll leave the TV show for some other occasion. We hope you’ll like our picks, but as always we’d love to hear yours as well.
The Sum Of All Fears
The 2002 spy thriller has Ben Affleck in the role of Jack Ryan, and not only that. A younger version of Jack Ryan (well compared to the previous films). And it was a mixed bag back in 2002. Not because of Ben Affleck’s underwhelming and woody performance. But because of the confusing and convoluted plot, violence and the decision to make the villains Neo Nazis. As opposed to Arab terrorists like it’s in the book. But hey. The movie was a product of its time. It was released less than a year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, and Hollywood was a little bit uneasy about the whole thing. But hey, it’s still a decent watch nonetheless and deserves a nod on this list.
Fun fact: Ben Affleck was on the set of Pearl Harbor (2001) when he was offered the role of Jack Ryan. His co-star Alec Baldwin, who played Jack Ryan in The Hunt for Red October (1990) persuaded Affleck to take the role.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
If you thought that Kenneth Branagh can only do Shakespearean and Agatha Christie adaptations, think again. He’s the man that brought us Thor and yes. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. But here’s the catch. Unlike its predecessors, it is not an adaptation of a particular Clancy novel, but rather an original story. And Chris Pine takes the titular role here, which if you think about it… Made Hollywood go even younger than Affleck. However, Pine is not the odd choice here. Branagh and Keira Nightly are, unfortunately. And what about the plot? What’s so special about it (since it’s an original story)? Well, Jack discovers a secret Russian plot to make the US economy crash via terrorist attacks. The movie tanked at the box office, and the critics didn’t have any mercy either. But hey. It’s snappy, and it’s got Pine as an interesting charismatic lead.
Fun fact: First movie in the franchise that isn’t based on a specific novel in the Jack Ryan book series.
Patriot Games
And we’re in the 90s now with Harrison Ford in the role of Jack Ryan. Much like the previous films, Patriot Games also got several changes in the plot. And it got plenty of criticism for the portrayal of the Troubles. It’s got the IRA as the villains and not everyone’s cup of tea for sure. Heck Tom Clancy himself disowned the film. But it was well received among the critics and it earned over 170 million dollars at the box office. Roger Ebert even called it “absorbing”. While also commenting that Harrison Ford “once again demonstrates what a solid, convincing actor he is”. Which everyone can agree on, right?
Fun fact: The novel had the Prince and Princess of Wales and their baby as the target of the attempted kidnapping.
Clear and Present Danger
Another Harrison Ford movie. And another one from the ’90s. In fact, it’s a sequel to The Hunt for Red October (1990) and Patriot Games (1992) and it’s great. It is the last film version of Clancy’s novels to feature Harrison Ford as Ryan and James Earl Jones as Vice Admiral James Greer. Not to mention, the final installment directed by Phillip Noyce. But in this particular installment, Jack Ryan is drawn into an illegal war fought by the US government against a Colombian drug cartel. This is a top-notch action thriller, with a great cast and a fantastic script. It’s a highly recommended movie.
Fun fact: The Oval Office set was originally built for Dave (1993).
The Hunt for Red October
One might argue that this is the best Tom Clancy adaptation. And one might be right about that. I mean all of the pieces in the mosaic are just a perfect fit. It’s got John McTiernan in the director’s chair. Submarine as a setting. Alec Baldwin occupies the role of Jack Ryan, while the Oscar winner Sean Connery is Marko Ramius. The Commanding Officer of the Red October. Sam Neill and Tim Curry are in it too and it’s fantastic. It’s a thrilling take-you-to-the edge-of-your-seat movie that it’s also a must-watch for every fan of Tom Clancy.
Fun fact: The crew of the U.S.S. Dallas adopted the tagline “The Hunt Is On” as an unofficial ship’s motto.
So… What’s Your Take On Rainbow Six Extraction?
Let us know all about it. We’d love to know.