Jack Reacher: Never Go Back – A Review of Tom Cruise’s Latest Action Adventure
Jack Reacher is one of the most defining works of male action star Tom Cruise, and it is currently at the center of attention in the action film genre this October, following the release of The Accountant featuring Batman actor Ben Affleck, which received mixed reviews from critics. However, comparing it to The Accountant, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back seems to take a step back when choosing to follow the action genre’s traditional format without introducing many new elements for the audience.
As the sequel to the film released in 2012, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back takes the audience on a journey with Jack Reacher, a skilled former military policeman known for his uncanny ability to analyze and investigate, along with his relentless pursuit of justice. This is also the key factor that leads him into numerous troubles with the forces that are currently manipulating power in the U.S.
In Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Jack Reacher’s target, Major Turner, has been implicated in a national security case after she conducts an investigation into a military drone incident in Afghanistan. When he learns this troubling news, Jack Reacher decides to come to her rescue. However, the investigation reveals a conspiracy that has put Major Turner in a precarious situation.
For die-hard action movie fans, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back may not be a groundbreaking film, as it adheres closely to the conventional tropes that have made the action genre a staple for years. The character is portrayed as a strong, determined hero, with a personality that does not shy away from danger. The film sends him on a mission to investigate a sinister plot while evading various threats along the way.
The action scenes are well-distributed, featuring hand-to-hand combat interspersed with high-stakes chases, ensuring that the protagonist emerges victorious. Interspersed between these scenes are moments showcasing Reacher’s driving skills and strategic thinking as he navigates through perilous situations.
However, the film’s action sequences do lack a certain impactful quality, leaving some viewers, especially action genre enthusiasts, feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The action is executed at a level that feels average rather than exceptional.
Most of the action scenes are intertwined, aiming to obscure the film’s predictable plot and logical inconsistencies that the audience might encounter throughout the movie. The pacing tends to drag when the main character often finds himself in predictable situations, making the audience wonder about his vulnerabilities.
Another noteworthy point is that the supporting characters in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back are quite one-dimensional, failing to create any significant impact beyond their interaction with the main character. The presence of the antagonist lacks the depth that would make the audience feel that Jack Reacher is genuinely in danger; he seems to be effortlessly navigating through the threats posed by the villains.
When it comes to the performances, Tom Cruise shines as always, bringing his experience to the role. The female lead, Cobie Smulders as Major Turner, unfortunately, does not add much as her character serves primarily as support for Jack Reacher. The young actress Danika Yarosh also does a decent job portraying Reacher’s daughter, Samantha, but ultimately, she does not elevate the film significantly.
In conclusion, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is not just an average action film, but it does not break any new ground compared to traditional action films. Its strengths lie in its action sequences, while its weaknesses are evident in the predictable plot and lackluster character development. The film ultimately leaves viewers wanting more, especially from a sequel that had the potential to deliver an impactful cinematic experience.
