Sunday, March 26, 2017

Movie review: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

 

 In this much anticipated sequel Jack in fact does go back when his friend and previous head of his investigative unit, Major Turner, is arrested for treason. Racing to prove her innocence, and his own, Reacher realizes there is a conspiracy afoot.

Tom Cruise (Jack Reacher), Cobie Smulders (Turner), Aldis Hodge (Espin), Danika Yarosh (Samantha), Patrick Heusinger (The Hunter), Holt McCallany (Col. Morgan), Robert Knepper (Gen. Harkness), Jason Douglas (Sheriff).

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back doesn't waste much time, jumping right into the story with action and character introductions quick to follow. The groundwork in place, the film begins adding parallel storylines in an attempt to give the plot depth, which is somewhat lacking with this cookie cutter government conspiracy thriller. With an energetic new partner, new daughter, and dirt on his name, the rest of the film simply follows the action.

Acting felt a bit strange in this one. While Cruise is the headliner here, Smulders completely stole the show. Her action scenes were better, her delivery of emotion was better, and it even felt like she had more lines. Cruise's stoic expressions worked for a moment, until it started to look more like he was detached from the film and his character. Yarosh, Heusinger, and the remainder of the supporting cast rounded out the film nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid and well done. CGI and action scenes felt a bit toned down in this one and as a result expressed a realistic feel. Dialogue was good though, as mentioned, it felt like Cruise had fewer lines and Smulders carried the film. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is an enjoyable action thriller with a decent blend of crime, drama, action, and mystery. Fans of the first film should enjoy this one but may feel it doesn't quite measure up to the original.

With plenty of violence and some gore, this one should be okay for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 3.18.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Action, Adventure, Crime

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

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