Jack Reacher is an action movie seeking the truth about mysterious death of 5 innocent people. The accused, James Barr(Joseph Sikora) requested to see Jack Reacher(Tom Cruise) because Barr claims that he is innocent and no one will be able to help him other than Jack.
Barr requests may have been denied by Emerson(David Oyelowo) and Alex Rodin (Richard Jenkins), however Reacher saw the telecast of what happen and gave surprised appearance in the investigation. The quest for truth had been very hard for Jack Reacher. Before he identifies the true mastermind(The Zec), he had to study the victims background, crime scene and make his personal theories that it is not random killing of innocent people. It is a tactic to mislead the true target of the gunshots.
Helen Rodin(Rosamund Pikes), the defense attorney, had been very helpful in Reacher's quest. She may not immediately believe the story and theories of Reacher but later she realize that she is also in danger. She had been kidnapped to lure Reacher. With the help of Cash(Robert Duvali), Reacher successfully rescued Helen and meet the Siberian gang behind the killings. After eliminating all Siberian gangmen, Reacher believes that Helen can clear his name and bring justice to the case.
Good Point
Rosamund Pikes had been very good in portraying Helen. She had been remarkable in her acting. You will feel when she is angry, scared, shocked and confused especially during discussion with her father and her rescue. Her facial expression only is already her acting.
I love the concept how Reacher escape the car chase. It's thrilling to see that cops are just a step away from him. It's a well executed scene.
The twist of the mystery is there. I never suspected Emerson as one of the spy until he shows his part in the elevator. This is because of the way he is presented in the beginning of the story as a seeker of truth. This was a well emphasized scene that you will thought that he will be the sidekick of the main actor.
The twist of the mystery is there. I never suspected Emerson as one of the spy until he shows his part in the elevator. This is because of the way he is presented in the beginning of the story as a seeker of truth. This was a well emphasized scene that you will thought that he will be the sidekick of the main actor.
I wish it was...
The start of the story have been a bit long. The excitement only starts after 30-45 minutes. It would have been better if they shorten some scene because they are unnecessary. I am expecting more from the car chase because the danger is not breath taking. In some instance, I'm seeking for more anger, shouting and the controllable hand-to-hand combat to make it powerful. It's not like Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible. However, I believe that editing and cutting unnecessary scenes will make a big difference because it may intensify the flow of the film and eliminates some dull moments.
Overall, the story is good because of the mystery is there. It just need a little changes.
Overall, the story is good because of the mystery is there. It just need a little changes.
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Thanks to "Viso Trailer" for uploading a clear Youtube Movie trailer that I embed above. Pictures are from Google Images.
The film opens with a shooting scene which is disturbing since it reminds you of the current gun violence issue plaguing USA. From the suspect claiming innocence to Reacher getting tangled in the conspiracy crime himself, the 'whodunnit' drama keeps you engaged. For those who are unfamiliar with the books, the film does give you a brief backgrounder on Jack Reacher. He's a drifter, an ex-army guy who 'prefers to be left alone' when he's not investigating tough cases. Highly skilled, possessing extreme intelligence, photographic memory and raw strength, he is a man who lives by his own code of honour. Does Tom Cruise fit the bill? In the books, Reacher is described as 'big and tall' with ice-blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. Tom Cruise bears no physical resemblance to the character. He does not look intimidating or menacing enough for the goons. Thus, much has been said about Cruise being a misfit for the title role. In Cruise's defence, he sheds his movie-star image remarkably, to play the stoic fictional hero who may not be as 'exciting' as his contemporaries. Reacher knows who he is unlike Jason Bourne, does not have fancy cars, clothes and gadgets like Bond, nor is he a wise-cracking, fast-talking guy like Sherlock. Cruise, who is otherwise super-expressive as an actor, underplays impressively to portray Reacher. He does justice to the role but on the flipside, you constantly miss Tom Cruise's charisma. Without it, the film borders on being bland in certain portions. The villain (played by director Werner Herzog) with his German accent and coloured eyes is creepy. Certain one-liners are impressive while some unintentionally funny. Action scenes look authentic. There is no loud background score. The highlight is one of the suspenseful car chase sequences, where Reacher is chasing the bad guys while being chased by the cops. It's been shot brilliantly. The film is more of a cerebral drama than a fast-paced, modern action flick. The suspense is satisfying and so is Cruise's 'true to character' performance. A lot depends on whether you like Jack Reacher, the pragmatic investigator. The film is more of a cerebral drama than a fast-paced, modern action flick. The suspense is satisfying and so is Cruise's 'true to character' performance. A lot depends on whether you like Jack Reacher, the pragmatic investigator. The film is more of a cerebral drama than a fast-paced, modern action flick. The suspense is satisfying and so is Cruise's 'true to character' performance. A lot depends on whether you like Jack Reacher, the pragmatic investigator. The film is more of a cerebral drama than a fast-paced, modern action flick. The suspense is satisfying and so is Cruise's 'true to character' performance. A lot depends on whether you like Jack Reacher, the pragmatic investigator. The film is more of a cerebral drama than a fast-paced, modern action flick. The suspense is satisfying and so is Cruise's 'true to character' performance. A lot depends on
ReplyDeleteHi Dosti, I appreciate your comment. This inspire me to read the book. Let me try to check if I can grab one so I can further understand the difference of the book and the movie. Thanks for the comment.
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