Jack Reacher

Tom Cruise stars in this fast-paced, action-packed thriller based on One Shot, the ninth novel in Lee Child's bestselling series revolving around enigmatic Jack Reacher. And before going any further, let me make a full disclosure: my son, Don Granger, produced this film. Child specifically wanted Cruise to play Reacher, a former military policeman who drifts around the country, usually by bus or hitchhiking, carrying only a toothbrush, expired passport, and ATM card. Homeless by choice, living off-the-grid Reacher wears his clothing for a few days before discarding it and buying replacements at thrift stores. A tough, self-sufficient loner, Reacher is a man of few words and occasional dry wit. When a sniper positions himself in a parking garage across from Pittsburgh's baseball stadium and shoots what appears to be five random people on the riverfront promenade, Reacher—who specializes in homicide investigations—suspects there's something more going on with the mysterious murders, especially when the accused gunman (Joseph Sikora) asks for his help. This development arouses the suspicion of the arresting detective (David Oyelowo), determined district attorney (Richard Jenkins), and the suspect's criminal defense lawyer (Rosamund Pike)—who also happens to be the DA's daughter—along with other deceptive characters played by Robert Duvall and director Werner Herzog. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel stage compelling car chases and a treacherous shootout in a gravel quarry here, but what's most surprising is how adroitly Cruise masks his trademark charisma, becoming completely convincing as the terse, quirky vigilante. Jack Reacher is exciting, escapist entertainment (and Child fans can glimpse the novelist as the officer returning a toothbrush to Reacher in the police precinct). Recommended. [Note: Blu-ray extras include two audio commentary tracks (the first by star Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie; the second by composer Joe Kraemer), the production featurettes “When the Man Comes Around” (27 min.), “The Reacher Phenomenon” (11 min.), and “You Do Not Mess with Jack Reacher: Combat & Weapons” (10 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid action flick.] (S. Granger)