Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Parent Guide

Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise), a former US Army Major, has left the military and never plans on going back. Yet he can’t quite return to civilian life either. So he hitchhikes around the country and uses his lethal skills to right wrongs committed by corrupt soldiers and law enforcers. The vigilante shares his activities by phone with a trusted friend still in uniform – Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders).

Then he gets wind that the female officer has been thrown into a high security prison on charges of espionage. Convinced Turner is being framed, Reacher sets out to free her and find the truth to clear her name. However, his well-intentioned efforts just get him arrested on suspicion of murder. And when he breaks himself and the accused Major out of jail, he turns both of them into fugitives.

But running from the military police proves to be the least of their concerns. It is the criminals who are trying to cover their tracks that are the real worry. Although it takes the pair a while to discover who they are and what part they played in the deaths of two soldiers under Major Turner’s leadership, it is just a matter of moments before Reacher realize they are being hunted by a brutal hitman (Patrick Heusinger) who takes his job title literally. (We see several instances when he tortuously beats his victims to death, instead of just more-mercifully shooting them.)

Needless to say (it’s an action movie after all) the ensuing manhunt results in many detailed confrontations where weapons use, fist-fights, on-screen shooting and senseless killings are portrayed. Sometimes blood is seen, and often bone-crushing sound effects accompany the altercations. Of course there are car chases, explosions, property damage and bloody injuries too. Perhaps the only surprise in the plot is the inclusion of a teenager (Danika Yarosh) who unintentionally ends up in harm’s way. Her character helps reveal Reacher’s more gentle and protective side.

Aside from the violence, other content issues are minimal. Turner is seen in her bra, and Reacher is shirtless in a scene that has little to do with sexuality. Prostitution is alluded to and a question of paternity is part of the plot. Characters do swear fairly frequently, and a sexual hand gesture is shown. And stealing (even credit cards and vehicles) is depicted as a slight indiscretion with no negative consequences. The biggest problem with this hero is he always goes back to the fist or the gun to mete out justice.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.