Rosamund Pike and Tom Cruise co-star in the 2012 film (Image: Karen Ballard)
The adrenaline-fuelled action film, featuring Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise, has been lauded as “intense and expertly executed”, and is now available on ITVX. Released in 2012, the movie centres around an enigmatic former US Army Major (portrayed by Tom Cruise). Typically elusive, he’s soon drawn into a homicide investigation that becomes increasingly murky the deeper he probes.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie and adapted from Lee Child’s novel One Shot, the film showcases Cruise’s impressive stunt skills, with the actor performing all his own car chase scenes. His prowess was such that even seasoned stunt professionals acknowledged his superior abilities behind the wheel.
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Jack Reacher boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, including Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog, David Oyelowo and Robert Duvall.
Audiences have warmly received the film, with glowing reviews on fan site Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer noted: “Dark, tense, creepy film. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher kicks everybody’s a***. Good cast doing a good job giving us our moneys worth.”
Another viewer said: “A surprisingly good action thriller where the action wasn’t too overdone and the plot stood up. Actually enjoyed this one. It’s like Mission Impossible stripped of most of the impossibility.”
A third fan enthused: “Wow! Tom Cruise never disappoints! I just watched… fantastic. Cruise shines as both actor and producer, always delivering quality movies. The first film was great, but the second was even better – like his Top Gun films, they’re thrilling and well-made. Don’t listen to the bad reviews; these movies are definitely worth watching!”
A fourth viewer commented: “One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its action sequences, which are both intense and expertly executed. Tom Cruise gives a strong performance as Jack Reacher, demonstrating his charisma and prowess as an action star.”
Another chimed in: “Finally watched this… it’s a solid crime detective movie, and Tom Cruise nails the role. I know some folks say he’s not right for it because he’s not 6ft 4in, but if you haven’t read the book, he totally owns it. The pacing’s tight with no wasted scenes, and the chemistry between Tom and Rosamund is legit. If you’re into crime-solving movies, definitely check it out.”
A further fan declared: “Regardless of Tom Cruise’s size, he was superior to the gentleman from the TV series. As usual, he makes every part he plays come alive and no one surpasses him. I have seen all of his movies more than once and appreciate him more each time!”
The picture garnered critical acclaim and proved to be a box office success, ultimately spawning a follow-up which arrived in cinemas four years later in 2016.
Jack Reacher is now available on ITVX.
