Action stars command attention. They display masculinity and justice. Some were unhappy when Tom Cruise took on Jack Reacher. Lee Child author of the Jack Reacher novels created Reacher as a large, rugged man. This piece examines Cruise as Reacher. We\’ll examine what was done well, what wasn\’t, and how it impacted the series.
The Jack Reacher Character: From Page to Screen
It\’s difficult to take a book character and bring them to life on screen. There are always obstacles. Particularly with a successful series!
Lee Child\’s Vision of Jack Reacher
Lee Child had a very definite idea of Reacher. He\’s enormous, silent, and intelligent. Reacher figures out solutions that other people can\’t. His size intimidates people. His intellect makes him an excellent detective.
\”Reacher is said to be 6\’5\” and 250 pounds, with hands as big as dinner plates,\” Lee Child once wrote. That conveys some idea of Reacher\’s physicality.
Deviation: Tom Cruise\’s Casting Controversy
Most fans were not happy when Tom Cruise was cast. Cruise is not as tall as Reacher in the novels. This raised a huge controversy. Was he the best fit? Could he do the role justice, even without the height?
Reacher stands at 6\’5\”. Tom Cruise stands at about 5\’7\”. That is quite a disparity. Some fans felt it was too much to ignore.
Adaptation Choices: Balancing Fidelity and Cinematic Appeal
Directors had to make difficult decisions. They did not want to deviate from the books. But they also did not want to make a bad film. They emphasized Reacher\’s intelligence and abilities. They attempted to portray his character, even though he was not as tall.
Jack Reacher (2012): A Gritty Introduction
The initial film introduced us to Reacher\’s universe. It presented us with his rough exterior. How was Cruise?
Plot Summary: A Conspiracy Uncovered
There\’s a sniper targeting individuals. Reacher intervenes to uncover the truth. He goes deep and reveals a conspiracy. The film keeps you wondering. Who\’s ultimately behind everything?
Cruise\’s Performance: Positives and Negatives
Cruise delivered intensity to Reacher. His action sequences were excellent. Some believed he lost Reacher\’s quiet strength. Others appreciated what he did regardless.
One of the scenes is Reacher fighting a bunch of guys. Cruise makes it real. He depicts Reacher\’s skill and confidence.
Critical and Commercial Reception: A Good Beginning
The film performed well in cinemas. Folks enjoyed it in general. Some critics found Cruise to be decent. Others still complained about his height. It was a good beginning for the series, either way.
The film made more than $218 million globally. That made it one of Cruise\’s successful action films.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016): A Sequel in Question
The second film shook things up. It was more action-oriented. But did it sacrifice some of the original\’s charm?
Plot Summary: Saving a Soldier
Reacher has to save a high-ranking officer accused of espionage. They team up to exonerate her. This puts them in harm\’s way. It\’s a matter of time.
Changes in Tone and Style: More Action, Less Mystery
\”Never Go Back\” had less mystery and more action. Some felt that it missed the intricate storyline of the original film. It was more of a run-of-the-mill action film.
Critical and Commercial Performance: A Decline
The follow-up did not perform as well as the original. Critics were not as pleased. Some felt that the story was not strong. Others disliked the pacing.
The movie grossed around $162 million. That is lower than the original\’s $218 million.
The Future of Jack Reacher: Reacher on Amazon
The show received a reboot on Amazon. They cast a different actor to be Reacher. This time around, he more closely resembles the physical description.
Reacher Rebooted: Alan Ritchson Takes the Helm
Alan Ritchson is currently playing Reacher in the show on Amazon. He\’s a bit more in line with the book\’s description. This delighted some fans.
Fan Reaction to Alan Ritchson\’s Portrayal
His fans adore Ritchson as Reacher. They believe he resembles the character in the books. He is built and does have a presence that matter to some viewers.
Tom Cruise\’s Legacy as Jack Reacher
Cruise left an indelible mark as Reacher. However, how will he be remembered in the part? Did he put his own stamp on it?
Cruise\’s Action Star Persona: A Natural Fit?
Cruise is recognized for action films. This drew people to the \”Jack Reacher\” movies. His supporters wanted to see him in action. It was a natural fit for his known image.
The Debate Rages On: Was He the Ideal Choice?
The debate rages on. Was Cruise an ideal Reacher? Some are affirmative, some negative. He injected his own flavor into the role. But he did not live up to the book\’s portrayal.
Permanent Influence: Reacher\’s Position within Cruise\’s Body of Work
The \”Jack Reacher\” movies are included in Cruise\’s career. They demonstrated that he could play different roles. Perhaps, though, they can also be viewed as an opportunity wasted. Particularly since the source material.
Conclusion
Adapting books is difficult. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is a perfect example. He had his strengths, but he also got criticized. Did he do a good job overall? The answer is subjective and depends on who you ask. What will happen to action movies and characters like Reacher in the future?