Jack Reacher

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

Why does Cash, the gun range owner, take down James Farr’s targets? Why does he fear the arrival of police? What does he believe about the constitutional right to bear arms? Would a gun law prevent criminals from obtaining weapons? What issues other than gun ownership need to be addressed in preventing needless deaths? Do movies like Jack Reacher contribute to gun violence?

What does Sandy mean when she justifies her actions by saying that’s “what girls like me do”? Why does she allow herself to be used by men? What would it take to change her view of herself?

The Lone Ranger had a strict moral code he abided by. It reads as follows:

“I believe…

•  that to have a friend, a man must be one.

•  that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.

•  that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.

•  in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.

•  that a man should make the most of what equipment he has.

•  that ‘this government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ shall live always.

•  that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.

•  that sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.

•  that all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.

•  in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.”

(“The Lone Ranger: Justice from Outside the Law”. Retrieved September 26, 2010.)

How does that compare with the code Jack Reacher appears to adhere to?

This movie is based on a novel from a series of books featuring Jack Reacher, that were penned by Lee Child.