The abuse of power, presidential or otherwise, was only briefly touched upon in The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games. For Clear and Present Danger, director Phillip Noyce examines how authority corrupts the greater good.

The United States coast guard discovers dead bodies on board a Colombian ship. One of the victims was close friends with American President Bennett (Donald Moffat). For reasons both personal and political, he orders covert action against the cartels. Meanwhile, Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) agrees to keep an eye on things, while his boss Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) undergoes treatment at the hospital. It doesn't take long for him for realize that secrets are being kept at the highest levels of government.

Ford has always played himself. His down-to-earth style makes each scene authentic in ways that might seem too casual for other thespians. He often insists on doing his own stunts. For example, one action scene calls for him to hit the curb, while an explosion goes off nearby. In every way, we believe that he's experiencing the danger first-hand. 

It's good to see Noyce weave his story around character-based elements. Some have suggested the film ends on a sour note. In my opinion, Clear and Present Danger closes at just the right moment to feel emotionally satisfying. (Capsule review)

(Released by Paramount Home Video and rated "PG-13" for intense action/violence and language.)