Movie Review: Jack Reacher
Jack Reacher, a film about a former Military Police Major turned drifter/justice dispenser, stars Tom Cruise as the title character involved in a defense case with Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike), a stunning and sharp lawyer who has taken on the task of trying to keep a man convicted of killing five random people from receiving the death penalty. The opening scene is brutal, as we watch people go about their daily routines through the scope of a sniper rifle, until they begin to fall. While this show of extreme and ruthless violence might be considered over the top, it sets the film off quite well by forcing the audience to ask a question which is repeated often in the film: Why?
Like most well-written mysteries, when one question is answered in this story, another one takes its place. However, the film possesses many great qualities besides a compelling story. One of those qualities, as much as I dislike admitting it, is the portrayal of Jack Reacher by Tom Cruise.
There are 17 novels in the Jack Reacher series by British author Lee Child, and they have a very strong following. I remember reading several articles lambasting Cruise for being given the part because of the fact that in the books Reacher is 6’5’’ and 250 lbs, a physically imposing man which Cruise is notoriously not. Yet, Child was quoted saying, “Reacher’s size in the books is a metaphor for an unstoppable force, which Cruise portrays in his own way,” and after watching the film I have to agree; he did a fine job as Reacher (although, I was only aware of the books and haven’t read any of them, rendering me unbiased going into the theater).
Another great performance comes from a supporting character, Cash, played by Robert Duvall; a gun range owner who befriends the perpetual loner Reacher. His character isn’t introduced until later in the second act, but his role is pivotal in the propelling the story forward and his portrayal as a wise-cracking marksman is superb and very necessary as a foil for Cruise.
Tom Cruise in “Jack Reacher.” Photo by Photo credit: Karen Ballard – © MMXII Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Despite the overall strength of the story, and quality acting, I never really felt like the antagonists were much of a threat. They would pop up here and there, “take care” of someone, and then go back to their clubhouse or follow Reacher around. Werner Herzog played the Zec, the leader of the shadowy group of bad guys, and while he looked menacing enough, he never did anything other than ramble on about the horrid things he had done to survive throughout the course of his life. Don’t get me wrong, hearing an old man talk about the “old days” is scary, but to instill a sense of unease in the audience something more than tales from times passed is needed.
What really bothered me most about Jack Reacher, unfortunately, would be a huge spoiler and something I don’t really want to get into. But, I will say this: some character motivations needed to be more clearly stated. I understand fans of the book series might consider it a sacrilege to have Tom Cruise portray Jack Reacher, but rest assured there are plenty of great aspects in this film. If you can see past the image in your head, and accept the one on screen, then you’ll be able to enjoy a solid adaptation.
