Fans of Cruise should be pleased, although this isn't one of his best films.

Rating: 7/10 (2 January 2013)

'JACK REACHER': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Tom Cruise stars as the title character from author Lee Child's popular book series about a former U.S. Army Military police major turned drifter investigator. This film is based on the 2005 novel 'One Shot' in which Reacher is investigating the shooting of five random strangers by an ex-military sniper he once knew. It was written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie (who frequently works with Cruise, having written 'VALKYRIE' as well as upcoming 'MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE' and 'TOP GUN' sequels). McQuarrie is a better writer than he is a director. He's written multiple films for director Bryan Singer, which have all turned out well, and has only directed one other film (2000's 'THE WAY OF THE GUN'). The film seems clever and somewhat thrilling but lacks the style of a seasoned director to really make it a worth while film noir action flick.
The film opens pretty disturbingly as five apparent random strangers are shot dead in a park in Pittsburgh by a sniper at a parking garage across the river. The police find more than enough evidence to link the shootings to a former Army sniper named James Barr (Joseph Sikora). Upon bringing the suspect in for questioning he asks for a man named Jack Reacher (Cruise). The DA (Richard Jenkins) and lead detective (David Oyelowo) investigating the case learn who Reacher is as he suddenly shows up. Reacher soon finds himself working for Barr's defense attorney (Rosamund Pike) as he discovers there's a lot more to the case than meets the eye.
A lot has been said about how Cruise doesn't match the height, build or general physical description of the Jack Reacher from the books and therefore isn't a good match for the character. I haven't read any of the books and therefore had no expectations for Cruise as the character. I do know that the author and many book fans are pleased with the result of Cruise playing the popular character all the same. As far as the film goes he's definitely one of the best things about it. He always makes a good confident action hero and here he definitely delivers what he's known for. Like I said the directing and overall style and feel of the film left something to be desired but the story is interesting and for the most part involving. Fans of Cruise should be pleased; although this isn't one of his best films he still does gives them what they've grown to want and love.
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