Unfortunately, I already knew the plot before watching the movie. Trailers are an important marketing technique as they offer a hint. A good trailer is like a tease - it leaves you wanting more. But some trailers give it all away. Case in point - Jack Reacher's trailer pretty much gave everything away simply because some of the best scenes are in the trailers. There was enough scenes for me to make an accurate guess at the story. From the trailer alone, I knew Jack was going to be a brilliant and dangerous loner who cares only for doing the right thing. I knew there would be action, romance, comedy with a pretty much standard plotline.
There was action. Car chases, gun violence and fist fights. Unlike his Mission Impossible series, there were no stunts that left the audience talking about as most of the violence and fighting has been seen in other movies that do it better.
There was hints of romance. The UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension) between Tom Cruise and the classically beautiful former Bond girl Rosamund Pike (who played defense lawyer, Helen) was there right from the initial beginning. And there is a glimpse of Tom's body (not bad considering he's 50) and the backside of a random blonde. Romance makes out about 2% of the film though.
The comedy was a surprise. It was funnier then I expected. There was plenty of dark and dry humor that Tom managed to pull off well. Even the crowd that wasn't that excited to see the film, laughed in appreciation.
The plotline was standard for a crime thriller. In the end, it's all about the money and to keep their secrets, Helen is kidnapped. Of course, you all should know what happens afterwards. But if you don't, well I won't spoil it for you.
It's decent enough but I doubt I would ever watch it again just for fun. A good movie for the guys and some ladies but I wouldn't recommend this for a first-date move.
I apologize for the review being brief but the movie did not do anything for me. I did not love it - I wouldn't watch it twice just for fun like I do with the Bond/Bourne series. I did not hate it - like I did the 2010 Takers which I spent days wishing back for the lost hours and ranting to everyone not to watch that film. I didn't like it and I didn't dislike it. It was just there - and in a way, that's the worst way you can describe a film because it didn't inspire any passion within their audience.
Rating: 2.5/5
