"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Proves Sequels Don't Always Suck...And That Tom Cruise Rules

   The golden age of Hollywood was chalked full of actors and actresses that personified the term "movie star". Like their films, they were larger than life. The elegance, the mystery, the swagger, the talent, all led to a feeling that these individuals were more than just people. The way the film industry has evolved today, not only is the acting work force significantly larger, it has become so versatile and diversified that the term "movie star" has become less meaningful...in the golden age sense. For my hard-earned dollar, I will venture to say that Tom Cruise is one of the last few that would be considered a bonified movie star. He has become, not only a well-known actor, but a high-end producer. His latest film Jack Reacher: Never Go Back even as an opening "A Tom Cruise Movie" credit. The man is larger than life with enough swagger you can laugh at. Whether his movies are good or bad, he always seems to bring people to the cinema. I get though that not everyone likes the guy, but that doesn't take much away from him. As for his latest film, the Jack Reacher sequel, his star still shines in what I would consider a worthy sequel.

   As one of Hollywood's most bankable actors, Cruise has previously established a significantly superior action franchise with the Mission: Impossible films. As Ethan Hunt he has grossed 50-60% more than as Jack Reacher. The question is then posed: Is the world ready for a Tom Cruise franchise that isn't Mission: Impossible? To be honest, the Reacher films are decent action movies, this new one included. Reacher isn't as high-octane of a character as Ethan Hunt, but that doesn't make him less interesting. In this new film, subtitled Never Go Back, Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever. He's an interesting character for sure, but his butt-kicking out-shines the story a bit...and said butt-kicking isn't as cool as hanging off the side of a plane as it is taking off. I'm just sayin'...

   Focusing on this film, however, I still enjoyed the experience. Though it may not be as insane as the Mission films, I've sensed more emphasis on character and story with the Reacher films. Based on the character in Lee Childs' book series (which I have not read), Reacher is complex, mysterious, intriguing, and fun to watch as a character who has no qualm about beating the crap outta people. In this movie particular, the mystery from his past is extremely interesting, given that his past is so elusive. After the first movie we know he's former military and not much else. His background is hazy. So, to have some potential characterization in this sequel helps to elevate it beyond the stigma of flashy, bloated sequels we've come to experience. With both of his action franchises now, Cruise is aware of his audience, and strives to bring something new to the table instead of hashing out the same things already seen. With the Missions it appears he tries to find new death-defying stunts to perform. With Reacher it appears story and character development is the way to go. Both are great directions to take.

   So, with this story you have Reacher dealing with some pretty heavy stuff, and Cruise has the acting chops to get that done. Some might disagree, saying he's the same in every movie. I argue that's not the case. Jason Statham films are just as action-packed as Cruise's, but unfortunately Statham plays the same character in every film. I love Jason Statham, but he's no Tom Cruise. With Cruise you get the whole package: an actor who does his own stunts, who is involved with the overall production, and who cares about avoiding monotony. Reacher deals with some heavy emotional themes in this film, and Cruise delivers a performance worthy of the material. His fellow actors Cobi Smolders and Danika Yarosh give equally adequate performances in support. The story is easy to follow, the action is visceral and fun. There's a particular rooftop fight scene that is brutal, like Netflix's Daredevil-brutal. In other words, it was awesome.

   If you really want to be picky, Jack Reacher is essentially Tom Cruise playing Jason Bourne. He's practically indestructible, he's wicked smart, connected, skilled with a weapon, and a mystery to everyone around him. Is this a bad thing? Not at all. If Cruise can just keep pumping out alternating Mission and Reacher films, I wouldn't be upset. It's hard not to compare the two franchises, and it's almost not fair given one has six films and the other only two. But if you really want to get down to brass tacks, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a Tom Cruise action movie, and at the end of the day who doesn't want to see that?