You can see the book is a great read in this very enjoyable movie

Rating: 9/10 (7 May 2013)

I've heard the grousing from those who had read the book first, and all I can say is, I'm glad I didn't. Unfortunately for them, that doesn't reduce my enjoyment of this film. I experienced it as a very enjoyable film gently advocating a certain philosophy of justice. No, really, to my mind this is a gentle argument despite the violence in it.
The idea that Jack Reacher is not one to let the bad guys play the system is not immediately apparent. What you first see is an extraordinarily observant and highly skilled investigator. It's only after a series of perilous events that his intolerance for poor organizational outcomes is revealed. While we're contemplating outcomes, check out the villain's management techniques when Werner Herzog, as Zec, has to discipline one of his henchmen. It's truly one of the most memorable cameos I've ever seen. My wife who is hardly the violent sort enjoyed every minute of this movie which makes me think there are no real gender issues here.
I very much appreciate getting the best ideas of a good novel without having to trudge through the wordy details. (I don't enjoy reading fiction much. I'd much rather see it on the screen, interpreted in a fulsome and honest way as here.) Cruise plays Reacher to the hilt though I understand that physically he doesn't really make you think of the book's Jack. That doesn't really matter as Cruise is fully in tune with the book's message and delivers it passionately. I can only hope this movie leads to a franchise for him as I'll certainly see it on the big screen next time ahead of its DVD release.