Cinematically unambitious but strong casting and a thrilling script guarantees entertainment

Rating: 8/10 (30 December 2012)

Right from the outset, you can tell Jack Reacher is neither original nor particularly unique: a mystery thriller, albeit on grander scale than your average independent film. I watched my version expecting what the trailer promised, a simple, high-budget, enjoyable action romp with Tom Cruise. What I got was a world better. The writers have employed a traditional 12-chapter mystery formula which works wonders and manages to keep your interest piqued from start to finish.
Jack Reacher does fall short in the villain department which is occupied with some uninteresting thirty-something Americans who do all the dirty work for their Russian kingpin boss. There are a few clichéd scenes, but this can all be forgiven thanks to the carefully layered mystery and solid performances from the main cast.
Grand set-pieces and gritty action further add to the thrill value in Jack Reacher. The opening sniper scene is particularly tense and intriguing, though you will be torn trying to choose a favourite set piece as the film is riddled with memorable moments and enough action to satisfy even the most stubborn Die Hard fan. The film is well-cast, and despite a laboured American accent Rosa Pikes is suitable as the starry-eyed solicitor assigned to defend the accused. Tom Cruise, as always, does his typecast performance well and injects his character with enough humanity for us to understand and appreciate Jack Reacher. Go, pay the $15, and enjoy Jack Reacher for what it is. You won't regret it.