Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
2016  PG-13  ACTION  1h 58min
CAST— Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders
MUSIC— Henry Jackman  DIRECTOR— Edward Zwick  BASED ON— Never Go Back (novel), by Lee Child

     Tom Cruise returns as the titular bruiser in this so-so sequel to the not shabby Jack Reacher (2012). We’re reintroduced to Reacher, again taking the highways and byways to wherever the road may take him. Through the magic of long-distance phone calls he’s begun a playful will-they-or-won’t-they relationship with US Army Major Susan Turner, who’s taken his place in the Military Police. As he rights the wrongs that come his way he throws her the occasional professional bone, extending to her various chances at promotion and glory (hoping to snag a future dinner date, one might add). When Reacher decides to pay her a surprise visit in DC he discovers that she’s been relieved of her duties, being accused of espionage and treason and is basically not feeling the love tonight. Taking a rain check on date night he decides to prove her innocence, despite the fact that he’s also wanted for murder. Adding to the turmoil is the pesky matter of a paternity suit that’s been filed against him. According to officials he’s not only a murderer but a deadbeat dad, to boot! He and Maj. Turner tackle a deadly conspiracy while babysitting his possible daughter Samantha, whose idea of quality time is boosting cars and screwing the system. Add to the mix a super-dangerous mercenary tracking them all down and the potential is there. What’s lacking is the payoff. The film does its job in portraying the angst within the story. The best the film offers are the dynamics between characters: Reacher’s brusque nature complimented by Turner’s equally brutal techniques; Reacher’s righteous responsibilities versus the baddies and their villainous ways; Reacher’s loner sensibilities juxtaposed by Samantha and her teen hormone stuff, etc. Some fairly complicated issues but the action (while potent at times) is sporadic, at best. Never quite catches fire but maybe inspiration will be found in other Lee Child novels.
OUR RATING— **
PRECEDED BY— Jack Reacher (2012)