Movies

There was a time—let's call it "The 80s"—when action movies didn't need CGI cheats, shaky-cam and ADD-editing to entertain us. They also didn't have to destroy ten city blocks, have a "clever" hook or feel the need to tack on a social message to justify their carnage. No, all they needed was a reason for some good old steak and potatoes action and a star to anchor it all. 2012's Jack Reacher has these qualities in spades.Maybe this won't appeal to the eGeneration who need to have their senses constantly bombarded, but for the rest of us, Jack Reacher is a solid bit of retro-refreshment.

Flanked by plush production values and an interesting supporting cast (including Werner Herzog as a baddie), Tom Cruise investigates at his leisure an apparent spree killing treading the mean streets as a laconic investigator after whom the film is named like Steve McQueen in 'Bullitt' (which also had Robert Duvall in it); and both prove hot stuff behind the wheel of a car.Cruise has been shot throughout so he looks as tall as or taller than most of the other men in the film; so one admires him for agreeing to willowy Rosamund Pike as his leading lady.

Those people who are knowledgeable about the Jack Reacher books would be aware that Cruise is wrong for the role.Too short, not broad chested enough and too dark haired. These shortcomings are apparent in the fighting scenes, you have to believe in the old Hollywood artistic licence.As an action thriller the inspiration is a film such as Bullitt. This is a thoughtful film, relying more on brains as well as brawn.From early on we know who the killer is, it is more a case of why and who is behind the conspiracy.The film has plenty of sly humour, nasty villains, hard edged action and Rosamund Pike's cleavage which displays its own acting ability.Director Werner Herzog makes a chilling villain and Cruise the investigator is believable even if Cruise the pugilist may not be.