Review: Tom Cruise’s second film in the series based on the popular books by Lee Child is more engaging than the previous one. It lends an emotional touch to what you expect from a standard action-crime caper. The film is replete with hard-hitting fistfights, lots of running around, quick chase sequences, ample gunshots, cheeky one-liners, and a plot laced with suspense and a father-daughter side story. In totality, it ticks all the genre-specific traits that you anticipate from it. Cruise even lets his charming self, take a backseat as he puts on the brooding persona of his character with elan.
However, in spite of delivering what’s expected of him, Tom Cruise just doesn’t fit in as the stoic Jack Reacher, period. You hope for a miracle throughout and expect the charming Ethan Hunt in him to take over. Cruise is not himself without that signature dimpled smirk and starry personality. Also, age seems to be finally catching up with him. His face looks heavier and gestures a tad restrained, which wasn’t the case even in his last release — 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation'. The American superstar vaguely resembles Owen Wilson now. While it certainly isn’t a bad thing, he no longer looks like Tom Cruise and that’s a truly heart-breaking moment for his diehard fans.
Cobie Smulders is impressive as a competent officer, who hates to take orders, solely because she is a woman. She executes the stunt scenes well. However, there is no great chemistry between Cruise and her, given their supposed attraction to each other.
To cut to the chase, this crime thriller mostly works for its engaging plot and edge-of-the-seat action instead of its star power. However, if you are a massive Tom Cruise fan, do watch the film for that one scene towards the end, where he gives you glimpses of his ‘Top Gun’ days. That’s pure joy
