Cruise nails it.

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2013)

When Paramount announced it was making a Jack Reacher movie with Tom Cruise in the title role, fan boys incessantly moaned and groaned he didn't fit the bill. In Lee Child's much loved novel series (now onto its 17th instalment with the 9th book, 'One Shot', being adapted here) the former U.S. Army Police Major is 6'5", weighs approx 110kg and has dirty blond hair - none of which the Hollywood megastar matches. Get over it people. This is a fantastic action flick and Cruise absolutely nails it. Reacher's reluctant investigation into the cold-blooded murder of five innocent victims by a sniper, reveals him to be methodical, unwavering in his quest for what is right and downright vicious when backed into a corner. The no-holds-barred set pieces are shot with a grimy and surprisingly violent tinge by director Christopher McQuarrie - somehow becoming an extension of our enigmatic protagonist in the process - and the car chase is one of the best in recent cinema; the roaring engine of Reacher's stolen 1970 Chevelle, the immersive camera placement and the fact that Cruise did all of his own stunt driving make it unforgettable. This is an entertainingly ferocious film that makes up for its half-baked supporting characters and downfall in the thriller department with bone-chilling brutality, sporadic dry humour and a memorable lead turn by the 5'7" Cruise. Time to move on fan boys.