Okay, I've read a few Reacher novels and whilst they ain't high art, they are, like James Patterson's Alex Cross novels, tightly plotted, capably written page turners that plunge a tough but likeable, lethal but intelligent lead character into a hard-boiled detective mystery that pits their wits and brawn against any number of sociopathic criminal masterminds.
Reacher's ex-military police. As James Barr (played by Joseph Sikora) explains in the movie: "He's a kind of cop... He doesn't care about proof, he doesn't care about the law, he only cares about what's right." So he's like Nolan's Batman... only shorter. Yeah ok, I've read the books. I know Reacher is described as tall. But then Patterson describes Alex Cross as looking like Denzel Washington - and who did we get? The simply miscast Morgan Freeman in the 90s, and the simply dreadful Tyler Perry this year. Remember how the fans of Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire' moaned when Neil Jordan cast Cruise as the tall, blonde vampire Lestat? But Tom wasn't so bad (in fact Anne Rice wrote him an apology having criticised his casting so vociferously at first).
It never ceases to amaze me how much passionate hatred Thomas Cruise Mapother IV evokes in so many film fans. There's the "he can't act" brigade - but then what about Oliver Stone's 'Born on the Fourth of July'? The Cruiser's performance as Ron Kovic is pretty hard to slam. And what about 'Magnolia'? Love or hate Paul Thomas Anderson's movie (and I love it), Cruise's performance as Frank T.J. Mackey is a superb character portrait. So, for me at least, Tom, like Bruce Willis, can act - but seldom chooses to bother, seeing as the vast sums of cash on offer for mega-blockbusters requires only that he run fast, take off his shirt, grin occasionally and wink whilst clutching a submachine gun... In fact, come to think of it, you could level pretty much the same accusations at Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson and Chris Walken these days... Anyway, I've long ago given up saying the Cruise can't act.
He's a movie star, so he seldom acts. There's a difference.
As for the "but, he's short" brigade? So's Al Pacino. So's Peter Dinklage - by far my favourite in 'Game of Thrones'. So's Inch High Private Eye. So what? Ok so, if you can get over Tom being short and accept that it's a stretch for him to play Reacher (three puns, one sentence - oh yeah!) - he's fine. But the real star here is McQuarrie's script, which is taught, tight and full of tremendous zingers - such as when Reacher informs the bad guy's henchman, Charlie (played convincingly by Jai Courtney who's soon to be seen as Bruce Willis' son in 'A Good Day to Die Hard'): "I mean to beat you to death and drink your blood from my boot." Or when a store clerk asks to see his ID, saying: "I need to see something," Reacher replies: "How about the inside of an ambulance?" Or when a young girl, Sandy (actress, Alexia Fast) says she's happy to watch a gang of thugs beat Reacher up, saying: "I don't mind the sight of blood," Reacher replies: "Well, it means you're not pregnant anyway..." C'mon! Those are great comebacks, worthy of Black's lines for Bruce in 'The Last Boy Scout.'
Like Tony Scott's 'The Last Boy Scout,' it's not just the dialogue that zings - but the direction too. But unlike Scott's showy, hyper-edited MTV style, McQuarrie's all business, handling the requisite shoot-outs, car-chases and mano-a-mano brawling with a clarity that's refreshingly easy to follow yet gritty - in a no-nonsense style reminiscent of Peter Yates' seminal Steve McQueen action flick, 'Bullit.'
For those worried they'd get the gurning, over-the-top Cruise of 'Rock of Ages' or 'Knight and Day' - fear not - this is the pared-down, laid-back in-service-of-the-narrative Cruise of Michael Mann's 'Collateral' or Steven Spielberg's 'Minority Report' - all business; all restraint. The supporting cast are great too, from Rosamund Pike as leading lady Helen; Richard Jenkins as her senator father; David Oyelowo as the cop Emerson, and Robert Duvall as the wily owner of a gun range. But the standout for me is German director Werner Herzog as the villain Zec - who receives a woefully brief amount of screentime. For my money, he should have had a far larger onscreen presence because, well, Werner was Wunderbar as the cold as ice baddie who'd chew his own fingers off to survive - literally.
Herzog's limited screentime and a misjudged slapstick scene (in which two bad guys ineptly hit one another whilst attempting to attack Tom in a bathtub) aside, 'Jack Reacher' is a pretty darn satisfying adult thriller of the bad ass variety. There's a bit of detection, action, comedy and brutality all thrown into the mix and, for the most part, it works pretty well, coming off as a well-made version of all those Steven Segal, Jean Claude Van Damme and Wesley Snipes movies you get in bargain bins at DVD stores for $2.99.
So sorry Cruise-haters, but Tom fails to come up short and doesn't overreach as Reacher. In fact he's to be congratulated on reviving the directorial career of Christopher McQuarrie who, after 11-years, returns to the directors chair to deliver a solid adult action thriller. Kudos Mr. Cruise :)
Seriously Tom Cruise!!! Not impressed!
Lame
Love jack Reacher where's the rest of him
I've read the books. Tom is no Jack Reacher. (he's a 6ft 5 beast for a start. actually Caviezel's character in Person of Interest is closer
Great backing track. Shame it's for a crap movie
Superb miscasting
Hard to swallow a stroppy 5 foot TC when JR has such a physical presence in the books (you sold out lee child!!!)
seen it already... its called Punisher
Absolute rubbish. Way to let all the Lee Child fans down with swapping the icon for a midget!
no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no
I adore the Reacher books. Appalled this is TC, because I can't think of an actor less right for the character! Will be giving this a miss.
Seriously depressed at the idea of tom as reacher
unbelievably stupid. no wonder katie left him. you couldn't pay me to watch this with him in it!
Jack Reach-a-round
Jack Reacher's 6' tall Tom's what 4' nothing, not gonna see this, might have to stop reading the books too.
omfg !! this midget has spoiled the movie.Wont be seeing it.
Such a disapointment that they are using Tom Cruise. If you've read the books you know that he's the complete opposite of Reaher.
so wrong
Couldn't agree more with"community" Jim Cavaziel would have been perfect as Jack Reacher not Pipsqueek Tom:(
Tom cruse is not jack Reacher
Cruise looks laughable in the street fight. And how come the music is suspiciously similar to Mission:Impossible theme?
Cruise said it himself "Really", At 5'7" C I'm not that intimidated by Tom Cruise. Terrible casting, trying to cash in on his name.
Tom is the WRONG actor, Gerard Butler would have been perfect, I've read the books and love Jack Reacher but this is so disappointing!
This doesn't look like Jack Reacher. Not in tone or casting.
Looks like a sad version of The Punisher.
This is so very wrong and a massive disappointment! Can't believe Lee Child would let them sabotage what could be a fantastic movie...
Why Criuse why why!!
No Way will I see this sorry excuse for a movie. Jack Reacher is so much cooler than Tom cruise Fans around the world will be crying.
Anybody who has read any Jack reacher will know that Tom cruise is a terrible excuse for the mighty Jack Reacher. Extremely Woeful casting
Cheap Rip Off of Ryan Goslings car scene in the awesome movie 'Drive' - Lee Child will regret this decision big time, not a good year Tom..
Clive Owen would be my vote for Reacher, Cruise is a bridge too far sorry, will boycott this movie & hope it tanks like the first 3 Batmans.
I have been waiting for a Jack Reacher film since I read the first book. Guess I will keep on waiting!
By the looks of the trailer they have absolutely butchered the books and Tom Cruise is not Jack Reacher, Liam Neeson would have been my pick
You could not cast a worst Reacher if you tried:( So gutted.
Gutted
Anyone but Tom.
the movie looks great
Worst choice for Reacher ever. Avid fan of the books will be boycotting this one.
They should have had him driving a Mini - at least he would've looked like a real sized person (Unlike in the Chevvy)
great Tom is really really shot LOL
Pathetic, pathetic. Had visions of some no name monster no muscles needed just size. Cruise is 4ft2" dammit. Not going to movie
totally miscast!!! very sad.
totally miscast!!! very sad.
Is this a bad joke? Tom Cruise? nuff said
Flicks? Why does God let bad things happen?
dvd watchable at best, wouldn't waste my time to see it at the movies.
@Dean-Hewison. In this case we suspect he was overpowered by the Supreme Being and L Ron Hubbard.
This has FLOP written all over it. Now check out the Rampart trailer for a real film.
great movie
By casting Cruise they've lost what would've been a built-in fanbase. I can't believe Lee Child sold-out. I'll be boycotting.
Agreed. Thought a Daniel Craig type would have been better cast
it crap after watching the trailer i wont be watching the movie Tom is no Jack to small
Tom you have now ruined the books for me
Wow!!! Tom cruise is such a dorky little boy. What happened to the 250pound 6ft something Guy they describe in the books??
Shite. What a truely tragic case of miscasting. Such a shame. Of all the people they could have chosen!
Sheesh. Let's hope there is a Swedish remake.
Sheesh. Let's hope there is a Swedish remake.
Is it too late to recut it with Viggo?
Alexander Skarsgard would have been perfect for role, will not watch this one
A midget player Jack Reacher. What an insult - I hope the film is a flop
Best casting ever. Cruise definitely can pull this off.
normally when Tom has short hair his movies are good lol!! so Im keen to see this one.
why did they cast a hobbit as jack reacher? just no
Cannot stop laughing - and for all the wrong reasons
no no no NO! Tom cruis?!? as Jack Reacher...What the heck were they thinking?
Tom's no Jack. What about Jason Straham?
ruined by Tom Cruise,read all the books,won't see it.Anyone else would have been better
What a joke, and not a good one. He's a midget, and yet in the books he's supposed to be 6'8''....very sad indeed
Tom cruise is the exact opposite of Jack Reacher...so bad, the movie could have been great
Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher would be a laugh if it wasn't so sad - that pipsqueak playing Reacher - come on Lee Child how did you let this ha
You know it's going to be a crock when they have to put TC in it to pull viewers. He should go for sci fi - may be a movie scientology.
Why is he still doing movies?
How can a midget play Reacher - it just aint right
Reacher 6ft 10+ Cruise 3ft- and counting. You Suck, fortunately not even your ego can dent the real Reacher!
how average is this.. i don't think they could have cast a worse person.. Tarnished every reacher book from here on in?
Really?
oh what a disappointment I was hoping for John Cena !!!!!
Two words, "Joe Manganeillo!!"
Jack Reacher is not Tom Cruise!!!
Í'll only see the movie if the real Jack Reacher shows up and kicks Cruise's ass! What an insult to the character of Reacher.
Last Reacher book was boring. Tom will add new dimension to stale character.
Pity Tom Cruise isn't as tall as the character in the book
the only thing wrong with this is tom.a short weak actor who should be mean and ugly.
this is weak...why little Tom ? he isn't Jack never will be
About a foot and half too short Tom, try again when you have grown a bit.
Very poor actor choice, very poor
Great choice of actor, hes still got it, actions, witt and charisma
How'd they find so many short people to make the midget seem almost normal size
I want to see the movie, but I'm still disappointed Tom Cruise is Jack Reacher - not right.
I hear yah ,it's not right
they need someone cooler than Tom Cruise - so wrong on so many levels
Reacher has integrity...Child/Cruise obviously haven't
They should name it Jack (can't) Reach[er]
OMG shorty pants Tom Cruise. Give me Hugh Jackman or Gerrard Butler anyday.
Oh, Mr Child, what have you done? How could you allow this? Cruise just can't capture the true spirit of Reacher.
I agree with most - Tom Cruise just doesn't fit, it should be someone like The Rock. Jack Reacher needs to be 6'5" 250pounds!!
The studios bet on engaging the 'action weenie' to draw the crowds will hopefully back fire spectacularly!
this sure don't look anything like James Lee Child's books
Oh dear.......
What? Danny Devito wasn't available?
The guy sitting next to Reacher said, "has anyone ever told you that you look like Tom Cruise?" Reacher beat the crap out of him
Tom Cruise is not credible as Reacher. Wrong build and talks too much.
will hold my opinion til after the film no bias as I am not familiar with the character prior to screening.
hasn't studio realized that the part makes the actor famous, and the story sell the movie, by work of mouth the second week
are they fukking kidding us tom cruise is a fukkin dwarf ,reacher is suppose to to be fhuge..wtf suppose to be
Enjoy the books. Boycot the movie.
great movie
Tom cruse would have to jump up to hit reacher in the knee cap.Child sold out
This looks worse then the last Reacher book was!. It was the first reacher book that really sucked.
Trailer Tiny tom says "how about the inside of an ambulance?". That is not reachers personality, not even close.
outstanding movie
cool movie
I hope this doesn't do well. TC thinks he's box office gold with the MI movies and if this goes well he'll be on to the next one.. 14 books
Is this thing so bad that Movie Master has to vote for it twice.
whoops! movie master has now voted for it 3 times!!
Good books, why put a person like Cruis to represent a giant. Where was Jackman??
cool movie
WOW! movie master has now voted 5 times. film must be a disaster.
Do you think they will cast the rest of the movie with people no taller than 4'4"? Then he could maybe pull off Jack Reacher. I'll watch it.
outstanding trailer
cool movie
Special effects should be great--to make 5' 6" Cruise look 6' 5". Insane!
outstanding movie
hello? is there anybody home? reachers 6ft 4 & 240 pounds, whats this idiot doing playing jack reacher?
Christopher McQuarrie is the man
Saw it. OMG! Cruise is hilarious. If Jack Reacher was a real person he would destroy Cruise and Lee Child for the insult.
Jack "Reach-a-round ?"
What a joke tiny tom playing a character 6ft5" 250lbs Hello Mc Fly.
Read most of his books, looking forward to seeing jack reacher, tom is not 6'5 i'll wait and see
As usual the critics don't see any problem with Cruise playing the wrong part and give it 4 stars. That's enough to put me off.
Just gutted
This movie is so toats wicked!!!!!!
Some scenes reminded me of 'A Few Good Men' and 'Collateral'. Director and Screenplay writer have done awesome job. See it.
JACK REACHER IS TALL NOT A MIDGET LIJKE TOM CRUISE >:(
kilowatt
crazy, reacher does not drive fast cars, bad casting also
looks really good!
Er hope this is good.