"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Review

Title: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Directed by: Edward Zwick

Written by: Richard Wenk, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz

Year: 2016


I have not seen the first Jack Reacher film from 2012, nor have I read any of the books in the series. As such, I walked into this sequel knowing next to nothing. From what I understand, the first film is quite divisive, with some people truly admiring it and others finding themselves disappointed after having watched it. What I expected from Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a fun action-thriller at best. Did this film reach my expectations, or should we never go back to this franchise?

A retired Jack Reacher finds himself helping a newly found friend who has been wrongly accused of a crime. Placing himself in danger, he breaks her out of prison and the two are on a mission to prove their innocence while being chased down by two separate parties.

It astounds me how Tom Cruise is still churning out great action performances in his films. This man does not seem to age. However, in this movie, Cruise is terribly one-note. I have no doubt that he is committed to the role, but this does not come across in his acting. He seems to be on cruise-control throughout the entire picture, which detracts from the intensity the film is striving to achieve. Cobie Smulders is marginally better in her role. Smulders is finding success in playing strong female characters, and she finds her footing well here. While nothing groundbreaking, Smulders' performance is enjoyable.

Danika Yarosh portrays the character of Samantha, who may or may not be Reacher's daughter. I do not believe I have seen Yarosh in any other role before this movie, but I feel that she did a great job. Her character can be irritating, but Yarosh's acting capabilities are clearly demonstrated, and it is entirely possible for her to make a name for herself in the future. I look forward to seeing her in more pictures within the next few years.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back perfectly fits the bill as a film that has a generic plot. Two skilled agents (a male and a female) are on the run from big organizations that are after them because they have apparently done something wrong, even though we really know they are noble and honest in their actions. This story has been done too many times to count accurately, which would be excusable if this movie added some new flavor to this old recipe. Unfortunately, that is not the case and what we are left with is a stale serving that far from quenches the appetite. The emotional beats are quite predictable and many plot points feel repetitive, both within this film and when compared to others.

Despite a disappointing story, this movie does feature a number of fun action sequences. The standout scene is most definitely the final chase in New Orleans. The use of levels and crowds is expertly handled and produces a truly thrilling atmosphere. Also, the moments of espionage and spying are thoroughly enjoyable and distract from the film's mediocre plot.

One of the most unexpected positives about Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is how it handles the sub-plot involving Samantha possibly being Reacher's daughter. I felt the dynamic between these two characters was helmed with a surprising amount of care and devotion. It strays from most of the traditional clichés that infest similar plot threads, refreshingly so. It is easy to buy into this relationship because of how vibrant and organic it is portrayed. I also feel that the resolution to this story was appropriately managed, providing a satisfying payoff both in favor of the story and on an emotional level.

Another positive I could grant the movie is its sense of humor. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back has a good tone of comedy about it. It knows how to defuse some of the tension with a well-placed quip or one-liner. The humor makes the main story far more digestible and is incorporated in the action and thrilling sequences very well. The line about the mooks all going to the same barber was especially witty.

At the end of the day, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a bland turnout in the spy-thriller genre. Cruise is regrettably placid; the plot is weak and unforgivably foreseeable; and the bursts of excitement are not enough to justify watching the picture. While the lead females give good performances and there are spurts of fun to be had with this sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is one of those movies you watch once and never see again. The subtitle for this film is more of an omen than anything, warning you to stay away. I am afraid I must enforce this warning, as I do not see any redeeming feature that can elevate this picture past its mediocrity.

Grade: C