The hunter becomes the hunted
Bakang Israel | Friday October 28, 2016 16:28
Yours truly recently caught off with this superstar at local box office disguised as Jack Reacher, one of the most hunted fugitives. This film is a 2016 American action thriller sequel to the 2012 Reacher flick that was inspired by Lee Child’s 2005 bestselling novel One Shot. This time around the element of fun is prompted by aspects of protection and the ever-growing quest for truth.
“Cruise’s character shows the other side of a highly trained Special Forces operative. The elusive human weapon (Reacher) develops conscience as Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders) the army major who leads Reacher’s old investigative unit. She is arrested for treason and knowing that she is innocent, Reacher must form alliances with his old foe and uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear their names and save their lives. On the run as fugitives from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.
The Avengers, Captain America-Winter Soldier and Avengers Age of Ultron star Cobie Smulders is the supporting actress that tempts Tom’s action agility with her midlife crisis, much to the delight of the fanatics. Never Go Back is crafted by the acclaimed Blood Diamonds (Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revernant/ Djimon Hounsou - Legend of Tarzan) director Edward Zwick.
Action
First of all this film franchise belongs to the same scope of thriller blockbusters like Taken, Bourne Identity, The Transporter and The Equaliser from other action greats such as Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, Jason Statham and Denzel Washington respectively. So that paints a clear picture of the level of sizzle expectation one has when Reacher bursts into box office. The trailer sold movie enthusiasts a wild goose for most of the part, however there are a few striking moments. Robert Knepper from hit TV series Prison Break (T-bag) is involved as the antagonist.
This is the role that he was born for and he pretty much nails his trademark villain character. Sequel movies are always the trickiest to forge because of the high standards set forth by the initial instalment in this case the 2012 edition that even made a killing at box office with worldwide sales $218.3 million. In relation to Never Go Back it enthuses with a few sparkles of action from betrayal, pursuits, mercenary assassins and gun action violence. For instance, the audience cheered as Cruise outclassed a bunch of bullies before going on further intimidating the sheriffs with phone call prophecies and ultimatums.
Apart from that the fact that (The Hunter) Patrick Heusinger adds up a different flavour of bounty hunting to this script by stalking Reacher further spices things as the assassin drives a fugitive against the ropes. How Cruise’s character responds is the fun part. Speaking which, Cruise apparently is Forbes Magazine’s fourth highest paid actor in 2016 with earnings of $53 million (forbes.com), still has the midas-touch as indicated by Never Go Back’s humor. The film puts a grin on one’s face with the bad parenting skills of Reacher. It is quite commendable in that regard showcasing that everyone can dig deep within themselves to find their better parenting skills.
This installment of Reacher does however lack in terms of other flick spicing ingredients like suspense. Director Zwick failed to ignite the same curiosity that lead to his other thriller Blood Diamond to sweeping in $171 million dollars in 2006. Never Go Back is a bit corny.
Yet this is fundamental in a movie experience. Enthusiasts enjoy movies that keep their imaginations alive on the edge of their seats guessing what might unravel. The other catalyst to that might be the fact that the dialogue of the script is charismatic.
Apart from that, this thriller is also botched in terms of cinematography. The movie is in 2D but it is also so not sexy to the eye. The use of special effects and general picture appear very flimsy. Credit has to be given to the stunts, watching Reacher disband a bunch of agents with a table salt bottle was jaw dropping, triggering adrenaline in action junkies. Lastly the film is partly alluring because it taps into stinging themes like corruption, gun trafficking, espionage, threat, justice and family which has the protagonist and antagonist at each other’s throats.
Quotes from the movie that shed humour
The Hunter: “Is that fear I hear in your voice”
Reacher: “What you hear is excitement, am going to break your legs”
New Upcoming Films- Expect to see Reacher (Tom Cruise) in the 2017 bound the The Mummy retcon starring alongside Russell Crowe. Also from the same Adventure genre Forbes’s 2016 highest earner Dwayne Johnson will also be coming to the big screen in June 2017 in full force starring in the much anticipated Robin Williams acclaimed Jumanji alongside Kevin Hart and Jack Black. They all look good on paper.
Reception
This Reacher edition comes from the same production budget of $60 million dollars as did the 2012 film. Also box office figures indicate that from its premiere weekend, it generated $22 million before accumulating a worldwide gross of $53 million in its first week. At this rate I boldly don’t foresee this sequel outclassing its predecessor that grossed up to $218 million back in 2012.
Top five movies in the world currently.
1. Boo! A Madea Halloween
2. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
3. Ouija: Oigin Of Evil
4. The Accountant
5. The Girl On The Train
Ratings
This is by far in recent memory a cheap shot experience from a Cruise brand film. Jason Bourne was more gratifying, a simple 5/10 would justify the experience.
Movie: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Genre: | Action, crime, thriller
Duration: 1: 58mins
Age Restriction: PG-13
Release Date: October 21 2016
Director: Edward Zwick
Main Stars: Tom Cruise (Reacher), Cobie Smulders (Turner), Patrick Heusinger (The Hunter) & Danika Yarosh (Samantha)