When British novelist Lee Child's stoic hero, ex-military police Maj. Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise), learns that Army Maj. Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders)—who heads up his old investigative unit—has been arrested for espionage that led to the death of two U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, he knows she's innocent. But before going any further, let me make a full disclosure: my son, Don Granger, produced this film. Trying to help Turner, Reacher appeals to a judge advocate in Washington, D.C., only to discover a paternity claim against him that reveals he may have a delinquent teenage daughter, Samantha (Danika Yarosh). Basically a lone wolf—a laconic, hitchhiking vigilante who lives off-the-grid—Reacher must now work with Turner, whom he breaks out of a high-tech military prison, and rebellious Samantha, to unravel a nefarious government conspiracy. Reacher's search for a mysterious munitions supplier called Parasource takes them to New Orleans for a climactic rooftop chase high above a Halloween parade in the French Quarter. Adapted from the 18th of Child's Jack Reacher books, this gritty, suspenseful crime thriller, directed by Edward Zwick, introduces two kick-ass women: Turner, who proves that she can fight in fierce, hand-to-hand combat alongside muscular Reacher, and resourceful Samantha, who turns out to be a quick learner. Recommended. [Note: Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Relentless: On Location In Louisiana” (26 min.), “An Unexpected Family” (15 min.), “Take Your Revenge First: Lethal Combat” (13 min.), “Reacher Returns” (12 min.), “No Quarter Given: Rooftop Battle” (8 min.), and “Reacher in Focus” with star Tom Cruise and photographer David James (8 min.), as well as an illustrated short story comic book, and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an entertaining franchise entry.] (S. Granger)
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Paramount, 117 min., PG-13, DVD: $19.99, <span class=SpellE>Blu</span>-ray/DVD Combo: $24.99, Jan. 31 Volume 32, Issue 1
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
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