Jack Reacher returns in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.
The name might be ironic but the film was an enjoyable ride. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is the sequel to the 2012 film and sees Tom Cruise return as the ex-military man turned drifter, Jack Reacher, who helps the military solve cases on certain occasions.
The film plot is fairly standard, with Reacher innocently returning to DC to meet Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), whom he assisted on a number of cases. Things take a turn when he learns that Major Turner has been arrested for espionage and proceeds to seek out the truth, which reveals a child he never knew he had and the corruption within a government organisation.
Like most military themed action films, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is jammed pack full of action with Tom Cruise remaining true to his type-cast, the action hero. That’s not to say that he did a bad job. No, in fact, for all that Tom Cruise is, a bad actor he is not. As Reacher, Cruise shows us a skilled fighter with keen senses and a soft spot for other people, especially those who could potentially be his child. Reacher is tough, a true military man at heart and appears to have a strong sense of right and wrong, making him the perfect hero. However, we are shown that he is also human; being a parent who worries for the safety of his child and a man who is protective of his woman. Though, there is a moment that reminded me of Taken…
Unlike many action films today, this film is refreshing as a film that sticks to the basics. There is a decent amount of gunfire, fighting sequences, car chases and the like but these are kept fairly simple and not overloaded with fancy gadgetry and unnecessary fight scenes. More so than some of Cruise’s other action films, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back really showcases each character’s skill base and heavily focuses on female empowerment, which is refreshing.
Most action films follow a standard protocol. There’s a good looking male hero, a damsel in distress, a dastardly evil baddie, a ton of gunfire and fight sequences, car chases and of course, what action film goes without a couple of big explosions? I really enjoyed Jack Reacher: Never Go Back because it went against the status quo and stereotypical representations. Cobie Smulders’ Major Turner was as badass as Reacher and commanded respect wherever she went. Several moments within the film illustrated her struggle to rise to the top and her determination to be treated as an equal to her male counterparts. Similarly, Jack’s ‘daughter’ Sam, is also quick on her feet, has great street skills and is able to hold her own against trained assassins chasing after her.
While I enjoyed seeing the female lead take on a strong role, I especially liked that Reacher and Major Turner remained fairly professional throughout their ordeal, considering the fact that Reacher traveled back to DC solely to meet Turner for the first time in person and take her out on a date. Despite not becoming involved, it was interesting to see the pair have their inner maternal and paternal instincts come out whenever Sam was in trouble. It almost felt like they were a family.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back may not be the action film of the year but it certainly kept me engaged and interested, despite the standard government gone bad plot. With Tom Cruise at his best, a satisfying amount of good action sequences and visuals, a good ending and Cobie Smulders, who may just be my new favourite female action heroine, this film definitely made it into my good books. As a film that doesn’t require too much concentration and is entertaining enough to watch after a long, hard, day, I’d recommend Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.