Not Beyond Reach...

Rating: 7/10 (8 January 2014)

Don't kid yourself. This movie has no surprises and is littered with moments of predictability and typical typecasting of characters. Half way through the movie one of our main protagonists backs off a bit and after being so fervent in her quest in the beginning of our story manages to undermine the credibility of her character. But with predictable fortitude she rallies. There is nothing new here and nothing really presented in a fresh way that would re-energize tired and worn out themes which could use with a bit of refreshing. We view the ever churning questions of fairness, individual rights, right to a fair trial, loss of civil liberties and lack of fair judicial proceeding in a way that isn't particularly fresh or interesting presenting itself in a rather mundane vigilantism with completely predictable bad guys and a very over worked story line. Nevertheless, this movie is rather entertaining. The acting solid if perhaps the dialog a bit assuming. And despite the stereotyping of our characters and the plot I still enjoyed this film. Rosamund Pike isn't given much acting room and Tom Cruise sticks to his formulaic mannerisms. Robert Duvall's character is not surprising either but his presence in the movie is still fun if not believable he still manages to make us want to set aside our disbelief considering the material he is given. Despite all these faux pas, this movie works. The actors/characters have chemistry and they bounce well off of their fellow actors. What a delight to have Werner Herzog play Zek (what an interesting play on the concept of freedom in a name, eh?)whose character I would have loved to seen fleshed out along with Cruise's and Pike's characters. In the end it does what a good, if not great movie should do...it entertains. Nothing too heavy here and nothing to fluffy either. A nice meat and potatoes kind of flick. A perfect after work movie on hump day. Not bad movie by any means and not great movie but it is good enough. Did I mention the '68 Camaro and Chevelle growl! What fabulous cars! And to those preoccupied with Cruise's stature get over it. The implication large and tall men are the only men who can play alpha male leading roles is ridiculous. Tom Cruise (though I'm not a fan) does more than hold his own as the lead character. I'll say it again enjoyed it. A bit of fun for a Wednesday!