Tom Cruise may never do a Marvel movie, but he doesn’t really have to. As Jack Reacher, he already is a superhero. A mix of Captain America and Terminator, no one can kill the guy. The man barely even bleeds. Lee Child’s novels, which these movies are based on, may be clever, suspenseful, and unpredictable. I couldn’t tell you because I haven’t read any of them. Even so, I can say without a doubt, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is none of those.
Reacher is still on a road trip, clearing those who stand in his path. While on his travels, he has gained a long distance friend in Major Susan Turner (Colbie Smulders), his military replacement. Her voice soothes him so much he makes a stop in D.C. to see his old office and hopeful of a fresh romance. Innocent enough.
Once there, he’s bombarded with breaking news: Turner is arrested for espionage and he may be a father. Women are double the trouble in Never Go Back. He has to get Turner out of the joint and expose who is behind the corruption, and protect his teenage daughter (Danika Yarosh) from the baddies who want to hit him where it actually hurts. Good luck, dummies.
Must I go any further? You know how this goes.
Director Edward Zwick and Cruise last collaborated in The Last Samurai, a real beauty of a film with exceptional spirit. Such a pity their teamwork here is of a listless, outdated story pummeled by cliches. This may come as disappointing news for some of you. I feel your pain. Jack Reacher sparked my interest in where this cryptic, tough fella could go. Oh, the possibilities! If only this sequel didn’t backhand any possible excitement mustered up from the original. It leaves a defeating mark.
Never Go Back can rely on one thing: the unwavering commitment of Cruise. The man is ageless. His astonishing agility and wit is worth fighting for. Smulders is no weak link either. She matches Reacher’s rage, but swings within the fences of the law. Not Reacher.
Always steps ahead of the rest, there’s no chance on out-thinking or outmaneuvering him. His worst enemy is the plot he can’t break free from. Just ditch the lazy narrative and stop spoon-feeding formulaic scenarios down a hungry Cruise’s throat. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a tough one to swallow.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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