Ronin (1998)

Turan called it an old-fashioned thriller efficiently brought up to date. He praised the tense, world-weary characters and the impressive realistic car chases.

Lane found the film enjoyable overall, especially its multiple excellent car chases. He noted its democratic feel and Frankenheimer's return to form.

Ebert enjoyed the film for its skill and its silliness. He praised the convincing cast and Frankenheimer's visual style while noting the action makes little sense.

The critic finds Ronin a straightforward, authentic thriller that plays its familiar elements with a straight face and no irony, emerging slightly better than the paired film Rounders. Frankenheimer's direction is praised for its dunder-headed authenticity and effective car chases.

McCarthy viewed it as a pleasurable throwback to 1960s gritty international thrillers. He praised the potent action and shifting loyalties but noted the characters lack depth or resonance.

The critic finds Frankenheimer's spy-heist thriller noticeably old-school and praises solid performances from De Niro and Reno along with the ace car chases, but notes the plot lacks enough dynamism to make it memorable.

The review calls the film a confusingly plotted post-Cold War thriller that offers a restrained antidote to flashier fare like Mission: Impossible, praising Frankenheimer's traditional action technique and car chases while complaining that the lack of real drama and weak script consign it to mediocrity.

The critic finds the film to be laughably hackneyed genre fluff with a rambling, uninvolving plot, paper-thin characters, clumsy dialogue and absurd pretensions. The car chases provide brief novelty before growing tiresome, alongside lazy performances and ugly camerawork.

Maslin hailed it as a top-notch thriller propelled by gritty professionalism and breathtaking car chases. She praised the formidable cast's camaraderie and the director's conviction.

The critic praises Frankenheimer's masterful direction and the film's gritty, intelligent action sequences, especially the car chases, as a return to classic 1970s style filmmaking that elevates it above modern Hollywood fare.

The critic praises Ronin as an immaculately crafted and entertaining action thriller with masterful direction, strong cast, twisting plot, and authentic car chases that rank among the best. Minor faults noted include an out-of-place love story and sagging pace in the finale.