Having just seen JACK REACHER, I’m eager to share my thoughts on this action-packed movie. Echoing the general critical praise, I’d easily give it a strong 4 out of 5 stars. This film isn’t trying to reinvent the action thriller genre, but instead, it delivers a robust and engaging experience reminiscent of classic action movies.
Channeling the Spirit of 70s Action Cinema
JACK REACHER, directed and written by Christopher McQuarrie, deliberately steps away from the bombastic style of franchises like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE or James Bond. Instead, it draws inspiration from the gritty and character-driven action films of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Think of movies like DIRTY HARRY – which has been rightly mentioned in many reviews – BULLITT, particularly for its iconic car chase sequence, and perhaps another Don Siegel gem, CHARLEY VARRICK. The excitement in JACK REACHER isn’t derived from outlandish stunts or excessive explosions. It’s rooted in the thrill of watching a sharp and resourceful protagonist outwit, outmaneuver, and overpower his adversaries through cunning and skill.
The Intriguing Casting of Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher
This brings us to the core of the discussion: the character of Jack Reacher and the casting choice of Tom Cruise. In Lee Child’s acclaimed book series, Jack Reacher is depicted as a towering figure, an ex-military police officer standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 250 lbs, living off-grid with no possessions or commitments.
Tom Cruise, undeniably, doesn’t physically embody this description. However, the essence of Jack Reacher in Child’s novels lies far deeper than his physical attributes. It’s his sharp intellect, his keen observation skills, and his unwavering determination that truly define him. As a reader of the series, the casting initially felt unconventional. Yet, as the movie unfolded, this concern faded. It became clear that this film successfully captured the spirit of Lee Child’s hero, prioritizing the character’s core traits over superficial physical likeness.
Beyond Physicality: Embracing Reacher’s Intellect
While a physical match to the book’s description might have been ideal for some purists, Tom Cruise’s casting brings unexpected advantages. There’s an argument to be made for casting an unknown actor who more closely resembles Reacher’s physical description from the books. Many fans often prefer unknown actors to fully embody literary characters on screen.
However, Cruise’s established stardom guarantees a certain level of box office success. This allows filmmakers to take creative risks, like producing an action movie that prioritizes character development, suspenseful tension, and impactful, brutal violence, rather than relying solely on over-the-top action sequences and implausible scenarios.
Ultimately, JACK REACHER proved to be a profoundly satisfying action thriller. For me, it successfully translated the elements I appreciate most in Lee Child’s thrillers and the character of Jack Reacher. It’s a film I wholeheartedly recommend, and one I’m already planning to watch again in theaters. It’s that good.
