The Sum of All Fears
Seen it?2002 | 124 min | Thriller, Action, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It was a solid box office hit, but middling reviews (59% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and action fans. If you loved Argo or Clear and Present Danger, start here.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
When the president of Russia suddenly dies, a man whose politics are virtually unknown succeeds him. The change in political leaders sparks paranoia among American CIA officials, so CIA director Bill Cabot recruits a young analyst to supply insight and advice on the situation. Then the unthinkable happens: a nuclear bomb explodes in a U.S. city, and America is quick to blame the Russians.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
59% on Rotten Tomatoes, 45 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 3 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$194 million worldwide on a $68 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 375K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Argo
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Ben Affleck, in another critically acclaimed CIA drama.
Clear and Present Danger
Saturday SpecialAnother CIA action film, and a Saturday Special.
The Bourne Ultimatum Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed CIA action film.
Bridge of Spies Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed CIA thriller.
The Courier
Sunday Safe BetAnother CIA thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
- Ben AffleckJack Ryan
- Morgan FreemanDCI William Cabot
- James CromwellPresident Fowler
- Liev SchreiberJohn Clark
- Bridget MoynahanDr. Cathy Muller
- Alan BatesDressler
- Ciarán HindsPresident Nemerov
- Philip Baker HallDefense Secretary Becker
- Ron RifkinSecretary of State Owens
- Bruce McGillNational Security Advisor Revell