“Jack Reacher” made a powerful entrance into the world of action thrillers with the 2012 film starring Tom Cruise, based on Lee Child’s beloved book series. The character Jack Reacher, a former Military Police Major with a knack for delivering justice in unconventional ways, became a fan favourite, especially for fans of the novels. With its high-stakes action, mystery, and Cruise’s intense performance, it wasn’t long before a sequel was in the works. Enter Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, the second film in the franchise, released in 2016. Let’s dive into what makes Jack Reacher 2, also known as Never Go Back, a standout and what the future holds for this series.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is based on Lee Child’s 18th novel in the series, which shares the same name. This sequel sees Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) returning to his old military unit after learning that his friend, Major Susan Turner (played by Cobie Smulders), has been falsely accused of espionage. As Reacher digs deeper into the conspiracy, he discovers that he himself is the target of a government cover-up, forcing him to go on the run with Turner.
The film’s plot takes Reacher and Turner across the country as they work to uncover the truth while dodging dangerous adversaries. Along the way, Reacher also learns that he might have a daughter he never knew about, further complicating his journey. The film explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to seek justice.
Tom Cruise’s Portrayal of Jack Reacher
Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Jack Reacher has been a point of debate since the first film. In the books, Reacher is described as a towering, physically imposing figure at 6’5″ with a rugged demeanour. Cruise, on the other hand, stands at 5’7″ and is known for his charismatic, energetic presence. Despite the physical differences, Cruise brought his trademark intensity and commitment to the role, performing many of his own stunts, including the action sequences that Never Go Back is filled with.
Critics and fans were divided on his portrayal. Some praised his dedication and ability to carry the film’s high-energy scenes, while others felt that his casting didn’t align with the character they envisioned from the books. Regardless, Cruise’s star power and action-hero credentials kept audiences engaged.
Key Themes and Action
One of the core themes of Never Go Back is the idea of confronting the past. Reacher is a character defined by his nomadic lifestyle, rarely forming lasting relationships or staying in one place for too long. However, in this film, he’s forced to face potential ties to his old military life and a possible daughter, something that disrupts his otherwise solitary existence. This added a layer of personal drama to the otherwise action-heavy film.
The film’s action sequences are another highlight, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat, shootouts, and chase scenes that fans of the genre expect. Director Edward Zwick, who also directed Cruise in The Last Samurai, ensured that the action was well-choreographed, with a mix of realism and high-octane thrills. Cruise’s dedication to performing many of his own stunts helped keep the film grounded, even as the stakes escalated.
Reception and Criticism
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the chemistry between Cruise and Cobie Smulders but criticising the film’s adherence to action-thriller tropes. Some felt that the sequel lacked the unique tone and tight pacing of the first film, leaning too heavily on a by-the-numbers approach to action.
Future of the Jack Reacher Franchise
Although Never Go Back did well financially, there was no immediate follow-up film. However, the Jack Reacher franchise has found new life through a different medium: television. In 2022, Amazon Prime Video launched a reboot series titled Reacher, starring Alan Ritchson as the titular character. Unlike Cruise, Ritchson’s physique more closely aligns with the towering figure described in the books, and his portrayal was well-received by both fans and critics.
The success of the Reacher TV series has shown that there’s still a strong appetite for stories featuring Jack Reacher, even if the format has shifted from film to television. The series offers a more serialised approach, allowing for deeper storytelling and character development that wasn’t possible in the two-hour film format.
Conclusion
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back may not have hit the critical heights of its predecessor, but it still delivered plenty of action, thrills, and Tom Cruise’s undeniable star power. While it may have marked the end of Cruise’s tenure as Reacher, the character’s adventures are far from over. With the success of the Reacher TV series, Jack Reacher continues to be a formidable force in the world of action-thrillers, promising more mysteries, action-packed sequences, and justice dealt with brutal efficiency.
For fans of the books, the films, and now the TV series, Jack Reacher’s journey remains as thrilling as ever, whether on the big screen or through streaming services.
