Plot
Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.
Release Year: 2016
Rating: 7.9/10 (186 voted)
Critic's Score: /100
Director: Edward Zwick
Stars: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge
Storyline
Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.
Writers: Richard Wenk, Edward Zwick
Cast: Tom Cruise -
Jack Reacher
Cobie Smulders -
Susan Turner
Robert Knepper -
General Harkness
Danika Yarosh -
Samantha Dayton
Ninja N. Devoe -
Female MP
Aldis Hodge -
Espin
Holt McCallany -
Madalyn Horcher -
Sgt. Leach
Chase Savoie -
Guard
Sue-Lynn Ansari -
D.O.D. Girl
Julia Holt -
Pedestrian
Patrick Heusinger -
The Hunter
Teri Wyble -
Mrs. Prudhomme
Billy Slaughter -
Jason Douglas -
Sheriff
Taglines:
Never give in, never give up, never go back.
Trivia: Robert Knepper played this film's main antagonist, Gen. Harkness. This is the first time Knepper has worked with Tom Cruise. See more »
Goofs:
Susan says her agents in Afghanistan were shot in the back of the head, but in all of the flashbacks they are shown being shot in the chest. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 7/10
I definitely enjoyed it, though I would be remiss to say that I do not
remember very much about the first film. I even re-watched the trailer,
re-read some of my own impressions on it from a few years ago, and
honestly a lot of it doesn't ring a bell. Some scenes here and there
do, but I won't be able to draw any real comparisons for anybody. Not
remembering it much though, I think it's safe to say you can see this
one without seeing the first one if that's what suits you. Any
connection that might have been there flew right by me, and everything
is plenty coherent without it.
Now, if I felt the first film was strong enough despite its flaws, I
think I can say the same for this one as well. I think the first one
was more of Tom Cruise playing a more impenetrable character, whereas
you get him only slightly more grounded this time around. There are
reasons for his shield to be a bit lowered though, and I thought those
aspects of the film worked out great. My two biggest complaints about
JR1 was that one of the baddies was unnecessary and the latter half of
the film dragged a little. I didn't think JR2 felt drawn out at all,
and any "baddies" were serviceable.
It wasn't riddled with far too many laughs (there were some, don't
worry) and there wasn't anything in the action that will separate
itself from the pack, so it's just a matter of whether the story will
pull you in enough. I'll just bite and say that Cruise was my major
draw. Without him I'm sure the film would be just fine (and as I said
about the first one, I would have almost preferred seeing it without
him in a way), but he's a likable action star and is in that last
decade of not getting a little more on the senior side of things, so
let's enjoy every bit he has to offer until then! Dialogue was
hit-and-miss, a few moments were predictable, and direction wasn't the
most ambitious... but for $68 million, what are you going to do?
I don't know who asked for a sequel, but whoever did I'd say they
certainly answered. Will you be alright missing this from your catalog
someday? I think you'll be fine; it's good even though it's not the
most original thing done. But I liked what was brought to the character
(never read the books) and I think that kind of element is perfect for
cinema. It worked, and it worked well even as a standalone film.
Despite some films in my Blu-ray collection I can easily see this
surpassing (I'm looking at you, Paycheck), it does take a little more
novelty in the entertainment factor for me to say that it's going to
fly on my shelf. I still do recommend it for those willing to give it a
shot. You like Cruise? You'll like this.
The title may pertain to the film's story, though it's certainly not
the most fitting, especially for audience members... we are glad he
went back! Made for an impressive sequel that ultimately struck more
interpersonal heartstrings than less. By the time the credits rolled, I
can say that this film should be able to lodge in my memory much better
than the first film even if I hypothetically never saw it again.
Speaking of which, the end credits music felt a bit out of place and
gave me a laugh. Didn't stick around to see if there were any
after-credit things, but I don't know if this film franchise would be
pushing for that kind of thing anyway.
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