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Review: 'Jack Reacher' returns with more action, comedy
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A still from "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back". (Paramount Pictures/File)
T
om Cruise reprises his role as the reiterated modern protagonist, nomadic ex-major, Jack Reacher in the second installment of the film series entitled Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. The film is directed by Edward Zwick, with whom Cruise has worked since The Last Samurai (2003).
The producer, Don Granger, stated that the Jack Reacher novel series authored by Lee Child is not supposed to be chronologically inclined. There is not much continuity for people to be aware of and that this premise marks its place greatly in the audience’s interest.
Reacher strives to uncover a deep government secret that involves Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) being falsely accused of espionage. As their journey progresses, Reacher encounters General Harkness (Robert Hepper), Susan Turner’s lawyer, who guides Reacher skimming through Turner’s files and discovers the existence of his presumed estranged daughter, Samantha (Danika Yarosh).
The first and opening act establishes a great impression with a quietly paced buildup. Reacher is seen bruised and wounded after immobilizing some attackers at a nowhere diner near a highway and concludes with him arresting two police officers who he claims kidnaps random immigrants and sells them. The outline of this particular sequence in a way prologues the embodiment of Reacher’s character as a whole – a “reminder” to be exact.
The story has an overall good preface to begin with, yet, it feels a bit dragged out and lacks the intensity that people look for in action films. The scene following the first act provides the next chapter of Reacher’s life after his previous endeavors, and it eases the audience for what may come next.
(Read also: Review: 'The Accountant' a great balance of action, drama)
The relationship between the characters is definitely the saving grace of the film. Zwick is largely known for being able to balance action with family-oriented drama, and his work in this film does that combination justice once again. Unfortunately, Reacher’s estranged “daughter”, Samantha, and Colonel Moorcroft (Robert Catrini) seem misplaced due to their characters existing only for the plot's convenience.
From the beginning to the middle part of the film, the story is laid out smoothly with little to almost no plot discrepancy. As expected from Zwick, he is very self-conscious in choreographing every fight sequence. In fact, it is to Wade Eastwood whom the credit is due in terms of elevating levels of intensity throughout the film. Reacher’s fight encounters with various antagonists in the film portray the exact way a military police officer would engage in self-defense.
Tom Cruise’s persona is inarguably one of the reasons why his action films are very appealing. His charisma, stoicism and sarcasm are the core traits that make Reacher’s character almost indistinguishable from Cruise’s true personality. Smulders portrays Major Turner very gracefully, and noticeably depicts the balance of elegance and power just as she portrayed Agent Maria Hill from S.H.I.E.L.D in the Marvel films.
Overall, the film is packed with varied fight sequences and ends with a magnificent hand-to-hand struggle with the rogue antagonist “The Hunter” (Patrick Heusinger). It is also a major step forward from the first film, especially since the sequel is filled with many comedic elements to balance the overall tone. (kes)
