Did 2012’s original JACK REACHER screen adaptation really warrant a sequel?
Depends on how one looks at it.
I’ll get to that in a few graphs.
In ‘JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK’ Tom Cruise returns as the former military officer who is now on call with various agencies when justice needs to be served.
This time he’s about to meet up again with Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) who now leads Cruise’s old security outfit.
But before Cruise even gets to meet-and greet her, he learns that she’s been arrested for treason.
You guessed it, Tom saves the day by springing her out of prison and in the process uncovering a major government conspiracy and cover-up—not to mention a paternity side story.
You get the picture…..
Left to right: Tom Cruise plays Jack Reacher and Cobie Smulders plays Turner in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back from Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions
The problem is that the movie plays like a two hour disappointing cliche. Dialogue and all.
So WHY the follow-up to a movie that ended up grossing only $ 80+ million?
Think FOREIGN box office; that’s probably why!
Internationally the film did another $ 138+ million for a world-wide total of about $ 218+ million. Not bad!
And one could also point to the fact that JACK REACHER is one of Cruise’s personal projects. That probably didn’t hurt either (he co-produced it).
As for Paramount?
Well, Tom continues to be a top draw for the company with its highly profitable MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise. So let him have some fun between M:I.
As for JACK REACHER? There are plenty more Lee Child books that could be turned into future screen properties by Mr. Cruise.
I can’t wait.
JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK opens citywide to a score of: C
Saw it last night at Barrywood preview showing and agree that it’s pretty weak.
Wonder why Tom Cruise is so infatuated with Reacher. He does much better in other roles.
A fan of the books; and the first movie wasn’t bad…other than Cruise being a paltry 5′ 6″ and 150 pounds soaking wet, as opposed to Reacher’s 6′ 5″ 250 pound character.
I mean, I understand suspension of disbelief, but that’s ridiculous.