An Engaging and Intelligent Adaptation of a Great Spy Novel

A sniper coldly murders six random people, then makes a demand: “Get me Jack Reacher.” The case seems straightforward and dull, but is it really? And will Reacher (Cruise) get to the truth before the truth gets to him?

It seems director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise have fully appreciated the power with which Reacher has captivated readers for seventeen books. The film is a vivid realization of their desires, an unyieldingly tough thriller where a no-holds-barred Bond refuses to bow to box office demands and beg for a lower rating. Violence is on full display here, fingers disappear into eye sockets, and baseball bats connect with targets with shocking sound effects.

Of course, ardent Reacher fans will notice that the plot has been slightly altered (the film is based on the book “One Shot”). These are mostly insignificant details: for example, a strange supporting character has been removed to maintain the pace. Also gone is the backstory of Zec (Werner Herzog, with a villainously raised eyebrow, is a spot-on casting choice). However, no unpleasant surprises await Reacher fans, while newcomers will see a film that catches them off guard, from the grandiose opening scene to the climax.

Behind the Scenes

Before Cruise was cast in the lead role, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, and, surprisingly, Will Smith were considered.

Initially, the film was going to be called “One Shot,” like the source novel.

In the books, Reacher is significantly larger than Tom Cruise, but this doesn’t hinder the film in the slightest.

Performances and Direction

The authenticity with which the actors portray the characters going through hell and high water is striking, thanks in no small part to the legendary Robert Duvall and newcomer Jai Courtney. The latter is so good that it’s clear why he was cast as McClane Jr. in the upcoming “Die Hard.” Cruise also handled his Reacher brilliantly, and viewers who have no prejudice against the actor can rest easy (the rest will stick to their opinion, even if he grows by a foot).

But the laurels of outstanding performer belong to McQuarrie – the director follows up on his regrettably underrated “The Way of the Gun” and, in an era when action films are mired in rapid cuts and incoherent fights, offers us a film with “Dirty Harry” in its sights and the cinema of the 70s pulsing in its veins.