Jack (Wayne) Reacher: Rides In and Rides Out!

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2019)

Jack Reacher is a very entertaining adaption of Lee Child's novel One Shot and good introduction to Child's iconic character of the same name. I very much liked the way director/writer Christopher McQuarrie through judicious and economic editing, introduced and backgrounded Reacher in the first act, at all times faithfully adhering to the template of Reacher, as outlined in the long-running and internationally successful line of books ... except for one crucial aspect.
Yes, the elephant in the room is the contrast of the literary Reacher's physical size and appearance, as opposed to actor Tom Cruise's relatively diminutive dimensions. In this case size does matter, as Reacher's size and physical abilities and attributes are somewhat metaphorical in depicting the force of nature and barely disguised almost superman aspects of his persona. Without a doubt, accomplished actor that he is, Cruise grasps the psychological make-up and enigmatic social behaviour of Reacher extremely well. But with his movie star charisma and 5 foot 7 inch height, he was never really going to convince diehard Reacher fans of a physical connection to the character, though he gives it his best shot (pun intended) in both this movie and the sequel Never Go Back.
It's no surprise that for any future instalments, even Lee Child, who was initially quite buoyant and positive about Cruise's casting, has admitted, will be dependent on a new actor taking over the role. My personal choice for a very long time, has been Arnie Hammer. I think he ticks just about all the boxes.
At any rate having led the elephant back to his enclosure, I can reiterate that this is a good movie; well-directed with a fine cast and an intriguing storyline. Rosamund Pike and Robert Duvall are the stand-outs in a quality support line-up and both demonstrate notable chemistry in their interactions with Cruise's Reacher. The John Wayne western style references are obvious in Reacher's entry into the narrative and his exit along the motorway sunset towards future adventures, not to mention his propensity to take the law into his own hands, to achieve what in his eyes, is a fair and just outcome.
Though both Reacher films feature well-choreographed and realistic action scenes, only One Shot, really highlights that other really important part of the Reacher character; his great detective skills, which are a fundament of the books. So appreciate Cruise's game efforts in this, his first of two Reacher outings. But be prepared for some future casting changes which, as a big fan myself, will hopefully enable Jack Reacher to continue to forge ahead into the cinematic universe.