Movie Review — ‘Jack Reacher’

Image Courtesy of Paramount

Prior to entering this film, there was a lot of social media speculation as to the plot. After exiting the film, my speculation remains. Though it is always enjoyable to see Tom Cruise on the big screen kicking ass, I’m still at a loss about Jack Reacher. From what I gather, he’s an ex-military guy who solves crimes, much like Sherlock Holmes, except he beats up the bad guys while he’s doing it.

The film opens with a random shooting leaving five civilians dead, one of which was carrying a child. I mention this because of the very unfortunate timing, given the recent events in Newtown. This was obviously filmed well before the tragic massacre, but I found myself in tears during the beginning scene and quickly realized it was simply too soon to be watching it. Luckily, it was short and soon picked up in other places.

The story gets complicated when the man on trial for the murder calls upon Jack Reacher and then subsequently enters a coma so he can’t explain the reason for his request. Jack Reacher arrives, and the investigation begins. It’s still unclear why a man of Jack Reacher’s stature, intelligence, value, and crime-fighting ability took such an interest in this case, other than for sport. Sure he knew the guy in question, but did he know him well enough to risk his life?

My other issue with this film is the casting. Though I’m a massive Tom Cruise fan, I gained renewed respect for him while watching him with the other actors. In short, they weren’t good enough. Rosamund Pike couldn’t contend with Cruise and her performance was therefore distracting. My guess is Cruise’s high quote demanded less expensive actors — but if you’re going to be on screen next to Cruise, you better hold court.

Despite my aforementioned criticism, I’d still encourage my readers to see the film. It’s action packed, it’s suspenseful, and it’s Tom Cruise. It’s a standard popcorn flick, and it’s enjoyable enough to bring a group of friends for a fun time. Plus, there’s a great no-guns-allowed fight scene that’s worth seeing.

RATING: 3/5 DISHES

Celebrity News In a Flash — Weekly Rundown

 

 

  • LeAnn Rimes’ sucks. Reality Tv Magazine
  • Kelly Clarkson is engaged. MTV
  • Mad Men’s Ben Feldman is engaged. E! Online
  • Ashton Kutcher filed for divorce from Demi Moore. Stuff
  • Renee Zellweger is dating Sheryl Crow’s ex. Entertainment Wise
  • Sean Penn called his marriages a “fraud.” Radar Online
  • Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey have sex to her music. Digital Spy
  • George W. Bush is gonna be a grandpa. Daily Mail
  • Hugh Hefner’s fiance got a nice engagement ring . . . again. The Gloss
  • Sarah Jessica Parker’s makeup artist has sticky fingers. TMZ
  • Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are going strong. Us Weekly

LeAnn Rimes Defends Herself — By Sinking Carly Rose Sonenclar

Though I’ve certainly been in trouble and forced to defend myself, I’ve never thrown anyone under the bus to do it. When asked why her performance was so unstable, Rimes’ lawyer said, “Any awkwardness was because ‘I was trying to help this 13-year-old girl who was having some trouble with the song.'” Allow me to take a moment to lecture LeAnn while simultaneously pointing out the obvious. The only person that had trouble with LeAnn Rimes’ song was LeAnn. As for why she felt the need to drag Carly on her hate train — I have no idea.


Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz2FcbuKdMl

LeAnn Rimes Stumbles Through X Factor Performance

You know you’ve got it rough when Britney Spears gives you a look of concern. LeAnn Rimes joined Carly Rose Sonenclar on the X Factor stage for what can only be described as a disastrous performance. She was behind the music, stumbled during her entrance, and could barely stand up straight while looking at Carly. I have to give Carly major props for holding it together, though. She’s a consummate professional. And as for LeAnn — good job sinking this young girl’s big moment. Don’t accept an offer that you aren’t in a position to accept, and get some help.

Matt Damon Does Bill Clinton — WATCH

Matt Damon has cornered the market on entertaining late-night conversation. First he did Matthew McConaughey on Letterman, and now he does Bill Clinton on Leno. Watch his very funny anecdote about Bill Clinton’s displeased and hilarious reaction to the infamous film, ‘Primary Colors.’

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Gossip Girl Makes a Grand Exit — Goodbye, Sweet Show

Of all the television finales I’ve ever watched, this was by far the best. After years of dedication to a little show with a cult following, Gossip Girl went out in style, uniting its central characters and revealing the real Gossip Girl behind the computer. It was a blissful love-fest, and I’d like to send a personal thank you to the writers for delivering the ending of which I dreamed. And if anyone from Weeds is reading this, allow me to take this opportunity to encourage you to watch the Gossip Girl finale and then send me an apology. I.HAVE.NOT.FORGOTTEN.

Goodbye, sweet show. You will be missed.

Paz De La Huerta Poses for Playboy — Boardwalk Bliss

20121217-113203.jpg“Cindy Crawford and Marilyn Monroe have appeared in Playboy. I celebrate nudity every day. It’s our first wardrobe. And Mario [Sorrenti] is such an amazing photographer; he brings so much mystery and sensuality to his photographs. We did the photos with no makeup, and we both wanted them to have a very natural feeling. It was more about bringing out a part of myself that has not really been shown to the public, a more honest portrayal of where I am now in my life.” Boardwalk Empire’s’ ‘Paz De La Huerta on her beautiful Playboy shoot. To see the pictures, click HERE.

Michael Bay on Transformers 4: “No One Stole Our Script”

20121217-111542.jpg“Some Internet sites this morning reported that some document recovery guy has found a legitimate 120 page script of Transformers 4. I can absolutely 100 percent say this is completely false. The only two people in the world that have our unfinished script are Kruger and myself. Also we are only up to page 70 in our T4 script. Maybe this guy has a cartoon or something else – but definitely not our movie!” Michael Bay, on the news that his latest Transformers script was leaked.

Saturday Night Lives Children’s Choir Sings for Sandy Hook

This video makes me cry every time I watch it, but I keep doing so. Saturday Night Live opened its show by forgoing the traditional comedic sketch in favor of a children’s choir who paid tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy by singing Silent Night. Watch below.

Devastating Massacre — The Dishmaster Goes Dark

Due to the tragic events that have taken place in Connecticut, I’ve decided to go dark until Monday. I realize the country needs to laugh, and I support all levels of entertainment for that purpose. That being said, it just doesn’t feel right, and I don’t feel much like writing. I will say one thing though, and I’d encourage my readers to think about it. Now is the time to talk about politics. Don’t wait. Tragedy should bring change — let’s hope so anyhow. We will honor these families with discourse.