Jack Reacher


"There's this guy. He's a kind of cop, at least he used to be. He doesn't care about proof, he doesn't care about the law, he only cares about what's right." - Barr


release year: 2012
genre: action/drama
viewing setting: home Bluray 2/7/22 and 1/18/20 and 9/28/18 and 5/2/15 and 5/24/14 and theater, 12/22/12

synopsis: This adaptation of one of a best-selling series of novels introduces master tactician/detective/combatant Jack Reacher, who helps unravel the truth behind what appears to be a cut-and-dried case of mass murder.

impressions: I've been reading the Reacher novels by Lee Child since early 2006. They are outstanding and the character and author are among my all-time favorites. I had some concerns about this movie, expecially because of the casting of Tom Cruise, but it turned out pretty good. The plot is complex and will require the viewer to pay attention, which is unfortunately fast becoming a lost art given the intelligence and attention span of the average viewer these days. The Reacher adventures vary widely in setup and plot; this one's basically a murder mystery combined with an action film, and will keep you guessing to the end.

people who got killed by Reacher: 7

people who got their ass kicked by Reacher: 8

something this movie has that no other movie has: A criminal boss who had to chew off his own fingers to survive, way back when he was young.

acting: Tom Cruise does a pretty damn good job as Reacher, dominating every scene he's in and kicking ass when necessary. Rosamund Pike is decent as the lawyer assigned to defend an undefendable client (who is possibly innocent.) Richard Jenkins is her father, who's the DA and thus her opposition. David Oyelowo is the head cop in the case. Werner Herzog makes a good, sinister evil boss, and Jai Courtney turns in a strong performance as the ruthless #1 henchman. Robert Duvall shows up late in the game as a retired Marine sniper who runs a gun range.

final word: Entertaining and about all one could wish for as far as an adaptation of one of this excellent series of novels; I hope more of these movies are coming.

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