Christopher McQuarrie (Director)

CAST
Tom Cruise
Rosamund Pike
Richard Jenkins
David Oyelowo
Jai Courtney

Based on One Shot by Lee Child

Review

Before he wowed me with the Mission Impossible movies that he directed, McQuarrie brought Lee Child‘s stoic, justice-seeking Jack Reacher to the big screen with Cruise in the titular role – I know, shocking, I remember this being quite controversial at the time but after having read some of the books I’m still surprised. Adapted from the novel One Shot, book 9 in the Jack Reacher novels, the film combines tense action, sharp intrigue, and a brooding atmosphere, though it stumbles in capturing the full essence of Reacher.

The film opens with an eerily quiet and suspenseful sequence that sets the stage for the story’s grim and violent premise: a sniper randomly kills five people, leading to a suspect who demands, “Get Jack Reacher.” From here, we meet Cruise’s version of the ex-military investigator – a formidable, calculating, yet oddly smirking presence.

Cruise nails Reacher’s intensity and resourcefulness, but his portrayal obviously lacks the character’s towering physical menace and more importantly lacks Reacher’s snark, his dry wit, his smart mouth charm from the books. Those traits seem off on Cruise the few times he attempted them in this piece. Nevertheless, Cruise’s knack for action carries the film through its more gripping moments, especially in tense stand-offs and brutal fights.

Pike shines as Helen, a defense attorney navigating a morally ambiguous case. Her chemistry with Cruise provides some sparks of levity and tension in an otherwise dark narrative. The film’s noir-inspired vibe blends well with its suspenseful pacing, occasionally flirting with a film noir aesthetic that adds depth to the procedural elements.

Jack Reacher (2012) works best when leaning into its tense atmosphere, clever plot twists, and hard-hitting action, even if some of its darker undertones verge on horror. While it might not perfectly embody Child’s original vision, it’s a solid thriller that delivers suspense and style, making it worth watching for fans of action and mystery.

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