Jack Reacher is based on Lee Child’s novel One Shot, featuring the title character – an ex-Army cop, who’s since become a drifter. The decision to cast Tom Cruise as Reacher has prompted much debate among fans. It’s been brought up before (ad nauseum), but, as clarification for those new to the discussion: Child describes Reacher as a force of nature, whose physical attributes (think someone who looks like Dolph Lundgren, or an older version of Chris Hemsworth) define everything from his attitude to his behavior towards the world.
Today, we have a teaser trailer for Jack Reacher that could pull double-duty by changing fans’ opinions about the casting of Cruise – and, get everyone else excited to see what could be the first installment in a new action movie franchise (featuring the A-lister).
… To be honest, though, this writer isn’t sure how the Jack Reacher teaser will go over with the moviegoing masses, and has a feeling that general reactions could fall along the following lines:
- For those not familiar with the titular anti-hero: the trailer creates the impression that Cruise is playing a variation on Ryan Gosling’s Driver from Drive; albeit, one whose rough exterior and manner makes his outbursts of rage – and dangerous nature – more predictable and less shocking (in my opinion, of course).
- For those who ARE familiar with the titular anti-hero: the trailer suggests that Cruise is just playing a darker version of Ethan Hunt from Mission: Impossible – or a less-coiled version of Vincent from Collateral – rather than offering an intriguing interpretation of the Reacher character.
![Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher Trailer 280x170 Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]](http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Tom-Cruise-in-Jack-Reacher-Trailer.jpeg "Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]")
![Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher 280x170 Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]](http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Tom-Cruise-as-Jack-Reacher.jpeg "Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]")
![tom cruise jack reacher trailer 280x170 Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]](http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/tom-cruise-jack-reacher-trailer.jpg "Jack Reacher Trailer & Images: Tom Cruise is Not a Hero [Updated]")
In all fairness, though, the teaser doesn’t show that much of Cruise as Reacher; by comparison, the recent Alex Cross trailer provided a much better sampling of Tyler Perry’s take on that film’s titular protagonist. Furthermore, Jacker Reacher was written and directed by Oscar-winner Christopher McQuarrie, who’s well-renowned for his ability to craft sharp, hard-edged dialogue and crime stories (see: The Usual Suspects and Way of the Gun). So, a green-band teaser might not do justice to either the film or Cruise’s performance.
Not to mention: the supporting cast of Jack Reacher (including Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Jai Courtney, and Werner Herzog) reads as quite promising. We’ll have to wait for a full-length Jacker Reacher trailer to see what they bring to the latest Cruise show, though.
Jack Reacher opens in theaters around the U.S. on December 21st, 2012.
Source: Yahoo! Movies
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lmao I covered my face when this trailer came on in the theater. Cruise is such old news and this movie looks so lame.
Looks good!!!!!! Looking forward to any film with Tom Cruise kicking ass
This schlock vehicle might look slightly reasonable IF you haven’t read the books. Any number of the fans of the books and the iconic 6-foot five inch, 250 pound, intelligent and deadly Jack Reacher (as a character is so awesome other authors including Stephen King give the character a nod in their own work) are either laughing, throwing up, or disgusted over what is arguably one of the worst casting decisions in the last 10 years. Any number of Reacher fans feel screwed and won’t be paying for this drivel. And I’m one of them, I’m already warning friends (who read) to steer clear of this turkey. Cruise should have been big enough of a man to step aside on this one – the character Reacher would just step on him, anyway.
I would have thought that Tom Cruise would have been one of the actors most least likely to play Jack Reacher. I just cannot believe it, what did he do, bribe them or what? I always visualised Jack Reacher to be someone like the actor that played Lincoln in Prison Break.
Ditto! My son introduced me to Jack Reacher, with whom I instantly connected to as a hero/anti-hero. When he told me that Tom Cruise was going to play his part, I was sickened. He is a little shrimp, too old and has a soft little voice. Nothing at all like I envisioned when reading the books and following the plots and thought processes of Reacher. What a way to ruin a possibly good movie series. I will NOT go see any of these movies, I would rather keep my Jack Reacher in mind. Bleh
I completely agree. The Reacher character is 6’5″ built like a fighter. He knocks people out head butting them. Cruise can’t reach most people’s neck let alone their head. Geez, I’m not watching these movies either.
Tom Cruise is NOT a good choice for Jack Reacher. For anyone who has read the novels I doubt if they will bother seeing the movie with Cruise at the helm. Reacher is 6’5″ and 250 pounds and you cheer for him. I don’t cheer for Cruise, ever.
My choice for Jack Reacher would be someone who has a ‘hard bitten look’.
I would have wanted someone like Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels).
Tom Cruise is too short too clean cut and too much a pretty boy.
Cruise doesn’t look like someone used to inflicting his will on others… BTDT…
I have no idea who was responsible for choosing Tom Cruise for this role, but it was a BIG mistake. Did the casting director even read ONE of the Reacher books? I REFUSE to watch this movie due to the travesty of choosing this tool to play this perfect Character. As a retired Army Soldier, I am insulted with this choice.
Tom Cruise has presence but he just couldn’t cut it as a menacing anti-hero. Rather, he was trying too hard to look “cool” and badass. I’m sure there are other actors who could nail tough and ruthless better.
As it is, he looks more like eyecandy cast to bring in the dollars and audience. I’d prefer to not watch another movie starring this Scientology cultist, thanks!
Note: I’ve not read the books.
Oh be nice!