Better late than never review: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Possible Spoilers ahead!

The first “Jack Reacher” movie snuck up on me. I didn’t expect much from the 2012 movie, but it turned out to be rather entertaining. I’ve watched it multiple times over the years, and have come to appreciate the movie even more. When the sequel “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” was announced, I was as giddy as a five year old. But the sequel bombed so badly at the box office, that it left theaters before I had a chance to see it. But that changed this past weekend.

“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” kicks-off the night Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) disbands a human trafficking operation. That was the night he first talked to Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) – a successor in Reacher’s former Virginia-based military unit, the 110th MP.

Over time and over several phone calls, the pair form a close (and at times flirtatious) working relationship. Turner becomes Reacher’s biggest ally, offering support and local MP resources as Reacher drifts from one place to the next. Meantime, the two new friends decide to meet in person next time Reacher is in Virginia.

But when that day finally arrives, Reacher finds out that Turner has been relieved of her command and charged with espionage. Unwilling to accept that Turner would turn her back on the MP Corps and her country, Reacher sets out to clear her name by protecting her from a dangerous military organization lead by a ruthless operative known only as “The Hunter” (Patrick Heusinger). In the process, teenager Samantha Dayton (Danika Yarosh), who Reacher believes could be his daughter, is pulled into the lethal conflict.

Unlike the first movie, which I felt was more of a drama/thriller with some action sprinkled in, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” is a flat-out action movie. I dare say there is more action in the first half hour of Never Go Back, than in all of the 2012 movie. This isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but the story is not be as strong as it was in the first movie. However there’s a number of solid action set pieces, and great one liners in the sequel that should keep you entertained.

When it comes to the cast, If you liked Tom Cruise in the first movie, you will like him here. I actually liked him better in Never Go Back, probably because Reacher acts like a human in this movie. He was a little too cold in the first movie, but maybe that’s how he is in the books.

For me the best part of Never Go Back was Cobie Smulders as Major Susan Turner. I never felt like Smulders was “acting” as an army Major, she WAS an army Major. Through her we understand the challenges of being a capable woman serving as a female commander in the U.S. military, something even Jack Reacher had time adjusting to.

But at the end of the day, I was extremely glad to see Cobie Smulders got to do more stuff in this movie than she has in any of her appearances as Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The world of Jack Reacher gave the actress several hard-hitting combat sequences, and some of the best one liners in the movie.

To many, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” will be nothing more than a soulless sequel, a cash grab by a greedy movie studio. I can understand why some people would feel like that, because the story isn’t as sharp this time. But I still have disagree with those who say Never Go Back is one of the worst movies of all time, because it’s not.

“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” has more fun moments than the original film, and this time we learn more about Jack’s background. He even grows as a character over the course of the movie. And best of all, we finally got to see Cobie Smulders kick some ass. I’m not saying this movie is perfect, but it was surprisingly fun.

“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” final score: B

Trailer Park: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

I’ll check this out when it hits theatres, mostly because the first Jack Reacher movie was surprisingly good. Also, I think this is the most Maria Hill type stuff Cobie Smulders has done yet.

The TNU Box Office Preview: Season’s Greetings

Hmm, so much for the Mayan calendar. Well, since we’re all still here, I guess I need to write something.  After a few slow weeks, the flood gates are now open. A bunch of movies are opening this week, and they feature something for everyone. Some of the following movies are now playing near you, and some will open on Christmas Day. However, some are playing in limited release, so be sure to check  for times near you. So take a deep breath, ’cause away we go…

 

Monsters Inc. 3D

Pixar movies are hit or miss with me, I either love them or hate them. But for what its worth, in my opinion “Monsters Inc.” is one of Pixar’s best. “Monsters Inc.” is a movie young and old can enjoy. If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out. The 3D version of the movie should contend for second place with around $20 million.

 

On the Road

“On the Road” is based on the novel by Jack Kerouac. The film stars Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Tom Sturridge, Danny Morgan, Alice Braga, Elisabeth Moss, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen.  You’d think with a cast like that we’d hear more about the movie itself. But the only thing I keep hearing is that Kristen Stewart gets naked.

I really hope there’s more to “On the Road” than that.

 

Jack Reacher

Tom Cruise is probably hoping that “Jack Reacher” will launch another franchise. Before last Friday, I would have agreed. But considering the movie is about a random shooting, that may not happen. I think “Jack Reacher” will come in third, but if it manages more than that I’ll be surprised.

 

This Is 40

“This is 40” is a kinda-sorta sequel to “Knocked Up.” This flick will be raunchy, funny and sweet. I expect no less from Judd Apatow. Fan of his earlier films will show up, but can it find a bigger audience? I say yes, and “This is 40” will battle it out for second place.

 

The Impossible

“The Impossible” tells the true story of a family caught in the 2004 tsunami. The film is directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, and stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor. The  couple they play are from Spain, but since this is a movie they needed some big name stars I guess.

 

The Guilt Trip

Two words: Barbra Streisand

or maybe the two words should be “Stay Away.”

 

Django Unchained

I’m not sure how to describe this movie, so I’ll just say this: If you like Quentin Tarantino movies, you’ll enjoy “Django Unchained.” If you don’t know who Quentin Tarantino is, you’re better off seeing “The Guilt Trip.”

“Django Unchained” is getting a lot of Oscar Buzz, and has been nominated for the Golden Globes. Can’t wait to see this.

 

 

Les Miserables

Laneit’s favorite musical comes to life this Christmas day. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Aaron Tveit.  “Les Miserables” will be a smash hit, at least for a week. The airwaves have been flooded by advertising for the film, and it should find a decent audience in its first few days. After that, who knows? “Les Miserables”  doesn’t seem like a movie you’d watch over and over, but I could be wrong.

 

Parental Guidance

Yuck.

 

 

Zero Dark Thirty

“Zero Dark Thirty” is playing in limited release, but will go wide in early January. Oscar buzz is growing on Kathryn Bigelow’s film, just like it did for “The Hurt Locker” a couple of years ago. From what I’ve seen, the film looks amazing and I look forward to seeing it. Even in limited release “Zero Dark Thirty” should bring in a tidy sum, and it will only get bigger in the coming weeks.