Jack Reacher is a character that comes from the prolific mind of author Lee Child. As inhabited by Tom Cruise, it is a case of a literary hero meeting a cinematic character that is a match made in heaven. Audiences can discover that for themselves as the sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back has landed on DVD and Blu-Ray today.
The first film, simply titled Jack Reacher, introduced us to the former military bad-ass who does what he can to make sure things that are wrong are righted. We find our reluctant hero in the second film ready to dish out more of his form of justice in a film that is a great improvement stylistically, story-wise and thrill-wise over the first one.
Reacher returns to doing what he does best when Army Major Susan Turner (the always affable Cobie Smulders) is framed for treason. As Reacher digs deeper into her case, he realizes that she is just a pawn in an enormous government conspiracy. Given that the man is all about justice, he takes this case personally and teams with Turner to clear her name, as well as to see to it that those responsible for this injustice pay dearly.
What sets this Jack Reacher film apart from the first one is two things, the action is elevated and much more intense. Secondly, the camaraderie/chemistry between Smulders and Cruise is palpable and is one that finds us cheering for those two to achieve their mission (and much more!).
The Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Blu-Ray contains over 80 minutes of bonus features sure to keep that pulse pounding.
Reacher Returns is an interesting featurette that begins with its star discussing what it is that drew him to the Reacher character in the first place. Author Childs also chimes in on the inspiration for the iconic literary soul and between Cruise and Childs, the viewer gets a new and deeper appreciation for this kick-butt extoller of justice who has much more to deliver to audiences than punches. They also chat up which of the many Reacher books that they think would make for a great next movie in the page-to-screen series, which fans might find particularly fascinating.
One of the things that is a nice touch in this second Reacher film is the sense of family. There’s a character that may or may not be connected to our hero, who is such a welcomed addition to the series that we hope she stays on in future installments. An Unexpected Family also delves into the relationship Reacher has with Major Turner and how this trio of people in search of justice form a unique bond that clearly resembles a… well, family.
For years, the state of Louisiana has served as a practical back lot for Hollywood. Hundreds of films have been shot there. So it is an utter delight that the Jack Reacher: Never Go Back home video release contains the featurette Relentless: On Location In Louisiana. The twenty-five-minute-plus documentary short takes us all over the southern state and not only shows of the locales of the action-packed thriller, but also illustrates the brilliance of the film’s set design and Cruise’s passion for filming in the area.
No Quarter Given: Rooftop Battle breaks down the film’s climatic finale battle. Action movies fans, especially, will get quite a kick out of this featurette as it takes us inside the making of a breathtaking scene that has epic scope in terms of its resolution of the conflict of the movie, but also how such great thought and effort was given to give the film a proper conclusion that would satisfy all.
Wondered how Cruise got ready for all those action scenes? Take Your Revenge First: Lethal Combat is a sensational supplement which not only explains Reacher’s modus operandi in terms of the character’s lethal gifts, but sheds a light on Cruise’s process for getting ready for all his action movie roles over his highly successful career.
Lastly, for anyone curious about how stills come to be on a movie set, Reacher in Focus: With Tom Cruise and Photographer David James gives you anything you would want to know about that unique and extremely important cinematic art form.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: B+