Jack Ryan (2013) Film Review
A bright, beautiful sunny day is the last for five strangers. A sniper’s trained eye steals from them their lives. Long after the screams and gunfire fades, police respond to a crime scene dripping with evidence including a coin from a meter with a perfect fingerprint. Catching all the right breaks, the print matches James Barr, an elite trained Iraq war veteran. Once an arrest is made, all he gives up to police is one name; Jack Reacher.
Some people don’t wish to be found. Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) is one such person. He was has an impeccable military record and a stint with the military police, he is now drifting. Living life in the shadows of everyone else – this was before he saw the news and James name splashed across the stories. Now, he returns to America, presents what he knows about the man and is ready to leave again… until he meets Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike). The daughter of the DA (Richard Jenkins), Helen takes on the task of defending James and she wants to know everything about her client – including
whatever it is Jack knows.
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Novelist Lee Child is the person behind the genius of Jack Reacher and as a good-guy-with-a-possible-dark-side, I sure do like him. He’s interesting and retains his mysterious status even after he stays behind to help solve the case; we learn things in relation to him, and yet, we don’t learn anything that tells us about him, like what drives him to live the way he does.
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When least we expect it, profound moments of truth pop up, along with a man who believes in patriotism, and to bring justice when someone wrongs a human being. Jack’s mentality of justice is, in some cases true, which makes this film a really good study in right vs wrong.
CONTENT | there is a gun battle in the final moments that results in multiple casualties – including two “close range kills.” [Nothing is terribly graphic.] Prior to that, Jack assaults three bad guys in close quarters after they’ve pummeled him over the head with a baseball bat. The opening pans multiple bodies lying prone in blood; an assassin snaps the neck of a woman by a hard slap [and suffocates her]. Sexual assault is discussed. There’s one use of the F-word and the rare minor profanity like sh*t, a**, etc. The film is PG13.
Really nice review of Jack Reacher! It's a good action flick; I love how old school it is and it doesn't pull action scenes out of a hat. Every combat scene is really well choreographed. :)
Totally agree, Katy – it definitely has an "old school" element and that's actually VERY refreshing. Much as I love those high-octane, action movies, this one was far more focused and it worked very well. This will certainly be one I'll own.
Thank you for reading!
I'll have to watch this one sometime! Tom Cruise isn't my favorite by any stretch either, but I do enjoy Rosamund Pike!
Yeah, me either, Kellie. For some reason Tom Cruise just isn't the kind of actor I *want* to constantly follow. That being said, I like every movie I've see him in plus this this is actually one of his BEST "suspense" roles. And, Rosamund Pike? She was also a great character – we were watching it and my mother goes, "who is that!?" It's always fun to see British stars on the American cinema. :)
Oh gosh….I LOVED this movie when I saw it. I know, it's hard to say you love a movie such as this. But believe it or not, Tom Cruise managed to NOT ruin it for me.
One thing though–it takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I know this because I recognized all of the landmarks (like the bridges and the three rivers and stuff like that) I had also walked where the initial shootings that spark the movie took place…….so yeah, deja vu there ;-)
Me, too, Ella! It was just that good; it impressed me in ways I never expected of it – definitely underestimated 'Jack Reacher.' Plus, yeah, Tom Cruise was fine in the role. (Plan on buying this one!)
Ha! Gosh, thanks for pointing out my geographical error. Heavens, I swear that each time I am unsure of something I make a mental note to check and then… well, I forget. *sigh* Guess that's what I get for doing things in a rush. It's neat when a movie takes place somewhere you are familiar with – it certainly lends to the authenticity of it!
Glad you dropped by, Ella – as always, you were missed. :)
I might give it a whirl someday, but I'm sort of biased against it just by my workplace. I work with library employees and most of them have read the books and they are positively adamant that Jack Reacher is not Tom Cruise. I wouldn't have an opinion either way since I've never read the books, but I get the fuss that he's not a match for the book Reacher. Still, action flicks are my thing so I might track down a copy this summer! Thanks for the review!
If you like action flicks, you for sure should, Carissa! It was really fun and took some turns I'd never have expected. (In terms of the film, choreography, etc.) Like you, I never read the books so have no opinion on whether or not Tom is "right" for the role – just generally speaking, I am not all that fond of him, but then, everyone has a different take on things like this. :)
Either way… I SO hope you enjoy it, Carissa – thanks for dropping by! :)
This was a good movie! I was totally surprised by who was involved with the bad guys in the end. Well done suspense movie. :-)
That it was, Gwendolyn! And you know, I excepted something totally different from it. Glad it took us by surprise – that's what really great stories do. :)
I'm not crazy about Tom Cruise either, but I did enjoy "Knight & Day" and "Ghost Protocol" so I'm really interested to see "Jack Reacher" now! It sounds intriguing.
As did I, Lizzie – Knight & Day was crazy fun and 'Ghost Protocol' way better than I gave it credit for. With Jack Reacher, again I underestimated one of Tom Cruise's films. Maybe now I'll have learned my lesson. :)
Enjoy!