Chris Reviews Jack Reacher

This was one of those films that I really didn't have any expectations coming into the theater. The reviews looked OK and the trailer looked OK, and I had not read the books so I really had no idea what to expect. Was it a forgettable and terrible action film? Read below to find out.....


The Good-

This movie was a lot of fun! The first thing that stood out to me was the excellent direction from Christopher McQuarrie. He definitely created a unique tone and feel through the pacing and cinematography. This easily could have been a very bland PG-13 action film but McQuarrie did his best to make it above average. The opening sequence of a sniper shooting people in Pittsburgh felt chillingly realistic. The fight scenes had a very gritty and realistic feel to them as well that made them stand apart from traditional PG-13 action films. The story was also fairly interesting as it became much more than a simple cop thriller. All of these aspects of the film would not have been enough though, had it not been for Tom Cruise. Say what you want about his personal life but he always brings his best to every role he plays.The combination of McQuarrie and Cruise helps make this a very fun and enjoyable Action/Mystery film.  

The Bad-

My main problem with the film is how long it took for the plot to develop. It seemed like it took all the way until the last 30 minutes before we actually knew the real premise of the film and the thus the first two thirds of the movie meandered around not achieving much. Another issue I had with the film was with the rest of the cast. None of the other characters really stuck out and honestly I cant even remember their names. I also felt that Rosamund Pike was a bit awkward with her very forced American accent which distracted me every scene she was in. My final issue with the film is that it felt very much like a vanity project for Tom Cruise. The whole movie there are always woman coming on to him, characters talking about how bad ass Jack Reacher is and other things of that nature. I actually found it kind of funny but it also felt VERY cheesy.

Summary-

Jack Reacher is a very enjoyable piece of time wasting action cinema. It may not be a classic but it could be the start of a very fun and interesting action/mystery series. If you like Tom Cruise and your just wanting to watch a fun movie over the Holidays I would definitely recommend this film. (Also look out for a very awesome and funny performance from Robert Duvall!)  


MY RATING-

3.5 out of 5

-Chris "Da Franchize" Hart