More than casting

Rating: 5/10 (16 June 2013)

The issue about the film is more than simply a complaint that Tom Cruise does not LOOK like Jack Reacher. As an avid fan of Lee Child, I was really happy to hear that they were planning to make a film. Of course there was concern about the choice of actor, but rather than getting annoyed I decided to watch the film regardless. I mean Tom Cruise is really an exceptional actor and as Ethan Hawke in the MI franchise shows really what an outstanding action actor he is.
However as Jack Reacher - no sorry. This is not about simply the fact that he is not Big, and I don't buy Lee Child's reasoning. The size of Reacher is so central to the books, that if you are watching the film without reading the books then you are missing really the point of Reacher. If you watch say Faster with the Rock, you get a feel for what an imposing character in the book can actually achieve.
I know this may seem pedantic, and if you are watching Reacher without the books as a guide I am sure you will enjoy it. However, personally I find it difficult to enjoy the film without constantly complaining about the casting, and even question whether the books are now tainted (overreaction? more than likely....)