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2012's Jack Reacher is not the type of film most people will be expecting. With Paramount marketing the picture as a pure action fiesta, movie-goers will likely watch the movie anticipating an unofficial Mission: Impossible sequel featuring Tom Cruise, the generic action hero. But, as those familiar with Lee Child's Jack Reacher books will be aware, the movie is, in fact, a mystery/thriller more concerned with intrigue and plot twists than outright violence. Though it falls short of its potential, Jack Reacher is a fun, handsomely mounted flick that delivers wholesome escapist thriller entertainment, the likes of which we only occasionally see done well. (It's a lot better than Alex Cross).
When unhinged Iraq War veteran James Barr (Joseph Sikora) is framed for a vicious sniper rampage that took the lives of five people, his one request is to get Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise). A drifter who now lives off the grid, Reacher is a former U.S. Army investigator, and he rides into town as soon as he hears of Barr's arrest. Though Reacher assumes Barr is guilty due to the vet's previous actions, the former Military Police Investigator begins to dig deeper into the clues with Barr's lawyer, Helen (Rosamund Pike), revealing a more intricate plot. As he works through suspects and conducts an investigation, Reacher soon comes up against brutal enforcer Charlie (Jai Courtney) and his fingerless boss, The Zec (Werner Herzog).
Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie's screenplay is based on Lee Child's 2005 novel One Shot. The translation to the screen is, for the most part, successful, with engaging dialogue and with McQuarrie keeping the story interesting throughout. Pacing is a strong suit, as no unnecessary subplots weigh the film down. Jack Reacher is very no-nonsense, with the titular character consistently moving from Point A to Point B, only occasionally slowing down to present Helen with his findings and allow the audience to catch up on all the evidence. However, the narrative is so sophisticated and dense that it seems McQuarrie was unsure how to handle it. Characters uncover conspiracies and shady company dealings, but McQuarrie opts for the easy way out, eventually simplifying the equation to people shooting one another. Those involved in the conspiracy end up dead, of course, but how much can be proved in court to justify the killings? Can the company behind the conspiracy be taken to task, or has Reacher done them a favour by eliminating the pawns who did all the dirty work? A lot needs further wrapping up after the climax, and McQuarrie does not even try to resolve it, cutting the film off instead.
McQuarrie's regular day job is as a screenwriter extraordinaire, with credits like the Oscar-winning The Usual Suspects and 2008's Valkyrie to his name. Jack Reacher is only his second directorial effort after the 2000 film The Way of the Gun from twelve years prior. Even though this is only his second time directing a feature film, McQuarrie's handling of Jack Reacher is slick and accomplished, building intrigue and staging action sequences with equal assurance. Most impressive is the opening sniper massacre, a harrowing and gripping set piece that begins the film with no dialogue and ample tension. With cinematographer Caleb Deschanel capturing the movie on 35mm film, this is a good-looking, old-fashioned action-thriller, with every fight and conflict captured through steady camera set-ups, smooth editing and extended shots. Cruise did most of his stunts, adding realism and excitement to the set pieces. A loud, intense car chase and a vicious showdown between Reacher and Charlie are of particular note. After so much patient build-up, the action may be out-of-place, but at least the action sequences are skilful and entertaining.
Internet controversy came thick and fast when Cruise closed a deal to star as Reacher. The books describe Reacher as a tall, muscular behemoth with short blonde hair, making the role appropriate for someone like Dwayne Johnson or Dolph Lundgren. A more faithful screen iteration of Reacher would be interesting, but Cruise makes this version of the character work, as he is both brutal and charming. The role is gruffer than the characters Cruise usually plays, and the star embraces the chance to go against his typecast persona, replacing his trademark smile with steely determination and tremendous ferocity. Cruise is fifty years old here, but he does not look a day over forty. Meanwhile, practically any actress could have played the role of Helen, but Rosamund Pike is a good pick, as she is beautiful and believable. The dependable Richard Jenkins also impresses as the District Attorney, while Australian actor Jai Courtney makes for a credible brute. What really boosts the film, though, is the casting of German filmmaker Werner Herzog as The Zec. He gets limited screen time, but he is memorably sinister. Also of note is the always-reliable screen legend Robert Duvall, who plays a gun shop owner and former Gunnery Sergeant. Duvall shares excellent chemistry with Cruise.
Jack Reacher entered cinemas at an awkward time for American audiences. Arriving not long after the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, many may feel uncomfortable watching the sniper slaughter, in which a gunman kills innocents in cold blood. This observation is not a criticism of the film, and the timing is not McQuarrie's fault, but sensitive movie-goers should be wary of the content. Ultimately, Jack Reacher is two-thirds of a great thriller and one-third of a standard, generic action film. It had the potential to be a more sophisticated, Oscar-grade flick, but the finished movie is nevertheless enjoyable as popcorn entertainment. Cruise is aiming for another film franchise here, as several other Jack Reacher books can be adapted if Paramount deems this endeavour successful enough. And there is no problem with that - I would happily pay to see further adventures of Cruise as Reacher.
7.1/10
