Who ya gonna call?!..."Get Jack Reacher!!"

Well what a way to start off the holiday movie season. Nothing like a good Tom Cruise action flick. Going into this flick I really did not have any expectations, just hoping for a solid flick. And it was just that a good, solid flick! It always amazes me how good a film can be when the military is involved, it just seems to make the plot and storyline even more engaging.

So we have Jack Reacher, "A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained  military sniper who shot five random victims." Now that's a whole lot in one statement...

This action thriller is nothing that we have not seen from any other films, it is just that "it brings that ol' thing back'. Nothing like seeing something familiar, but just amped up to the next level. Now let me say this is not "Mission Impossible", nor James Bond but it will keep you entertained and glued to the screen. However, it is an excellent mix between an ideal action and thriller film in its own unique way.

So let's get to the thick of it, Tom Cruise who plays main character Jack Reacher is based on a series of novels from author Lee Child. Reacher is an ex-Military Police detective who pretty much lives as a gypsy and or vagabond and has been summoned to come into town to help investigate five sniper shootings.

Living as a drifter, and after spending a lifetime on military bases all over the world he now lives a life with no responsibilities, no job, no house, no family, no possessions. Now the only problem here is that the character that Tom Cruise is portraying (Jack Reacher) is actually 6'5'' and 250 lbs...hmmm well you can do the math. Despite that slight flaw he did do the character justice.

Then we have supporting actors Rosamund Pike (Helen) who plays the female lead and attorney in charge of the investigation. I will say this if you are expecting some type of fling think again, let's just say the romance is kept to an all-time low. To be honest her presence in the film is nothing more than to fill the role of 'bait' and to some 'eye candy'. Her character allows Reacher (Cruise) to bounce off ideas and provide the missing links to the puzzle. And with features from rising actor David Oyelowo and veterans Robert Duvall, Robert Jenkins, and known director Werner Herzog (who makes an appearance) there is a lot of flavor added to the stew. As you watch this film, you will be mesmerized with each scene wondering who is talking to who, or who is coming around the corner. Nothing is expected at all. There is just so much to say about this film, but NO SPOILERS!!

Now as far as the plot goes, the story grabs you from the beginning...trust me!! I will say though, there were moments when it seemed a bit slow and dragged along, but in the end it did seem to come together. At times a a bit cheesy, but overall a decent plot, and believable acting. Each action scene whether a car chase, a fight scene, or a shoot out is vivid enough to not hit the border of being to cliche'. With a cohesive plot and a good mix of characters this could lead to a promising franchise.

What I really liked about this film was that you were always guessing about what would be the next move. Just when you think you knew who the bad guy was, you quickly changed your mind. Even with the CGI the film does not rely on the special effects, in a way it kind of has an old school feel to it. And let me just say Tom Cruise seems to never age, but I guess that's a good thing. (Let the money roll in for ya.) I just may have to read the books....hmmm if time allows lol.

Jack Reacher is the type of solid movie that will make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and make you think twice about the characters next move. Cruise definitely does not disappoint with this one. So go ahead and check it out!

Happy Holidays!!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars

Guess Who's Back.... Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

J.J. Abrams returns for the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible series with the newest edition, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. I must admit I was definitely looking forward to this coming out especially during the holiday season, considering our options for movies have been pretty slim as of lately. So its been five years since we last saw Ethan Hunt and his team take on a mission, one that they chose to accept…and the wait was worth it!

Now I will not divulge too much of the story so as to not ruin it for you, just wet your palette enough to make sure you go an purchase a ticket. So in essence the basic plot is that a terrorist group bombs the Kremlin in Russia and IMF has been framed for it. As a result of these actions, the POTUS decides to initiate Operation Ghost Protocol, which primarily means that the entire IMF organization is disavowed, in other words Ethan and his team are on their own, "No Plan, No Backup, No Choice".

Now the story is not necessarily anything new or out of this world, but it doesn’t have to be as long as it keeps the action going and the story make sense that works for me! As far as it relates to the characters this was a pretty cohesive unit. This was a good mix of actors and actresses bringing that much needed holiday action. Each one should be commended for all around good performances. Simon Pegg was delightful as Benji and even had the nerve to “grow some balls” and show off more than just his “techy” skills. Jeremy Renner provides us with a debonair performance, and Paula Patton lets us know she's not just a "good girl". And of course, Tom Cruise is always great as Ethan Hunt (we expect nothing less) even as he gets older he doesn’t seem to miss a beat. And what’s a spy film without a great villain a female one at that, although she is not the lone villain, she definitely stands out, there is truly a presence and sense of danger from the female assassin, Sabine Moreau (Lea Seydoux), striking yet cold and heartless, completely devoid of compassion.

Now I will admit in one of the fight scenes, it would have been nice if the fight between Paula Patton and Lea Seydoux was just a little bit more engaging. I feel like they watered it down just a little considering they indirectly hyped it up. After what this woman did to the man that you loved you would have expected a little bit more “kick-ass”, but I digress. However don’t sleep on Ms. Patton as Carter she is as sexy as she is deadly. 

  

Now the action sequences themselves are imaginative, unyielding, exciting and tense all combined in one basket. Pretty decent CGI, mind blowing sound, and you definitely get the feeling that you not only see but feel every punch and kick as well as the explosions. Hands down one of the greatest scenes is with Ethan and world’s tallest building in Dubai (and that’s all I’m going to say on that one). Put it like this it’s shot in IMAX, and you will get the feeling that you are right there with him! Even at the ripe age of 49, Cruise can still manage to pull off some of his own stunts including the one mentioned above. Kudos!!

Lest we not forget, no 'Mission Impossible' film would be complete without the exotic on-site locations, fancy gadgets and big explosions- but there is a certain luster that shines by which director Brad Bird amasses all these elements into one package. As we the viewer take the journey with Ethan and the team moving from Russia to Dubai to Mumbai we are in second heaven! Next time take me with you Bird I can get your coffee and run your errands (just kidding…lol).

As a whole, MI:GP was an excellent and gratifying film, one that I might have to check out again. This fourth installment definitely beats the 2^nd and 3^rd one, but nothing will top the first one. This film came close to perfect but unfortunately there were some water down and far-fetched scenes that took away those points. From the beginning to the end, the film blasts off into overdrive this is a ride that you will not want to get off of too quickly!! With all the action, gadgets, sharp suits/fly dresses, and blazing hot rides it is sure to convince you into becoming a spy film fan if you are not already!! 

Rating: 3.5 out 5 stars

Paula Patton to star in new Mission Impossible Film

Well the new mommy Paula Patton seems to be getting back on the good foot with her acting career. Patton is set to be cast in the new 'Mission: Impossible' movie. 

Now this is truly a big accomplishment, considering Patton who is said to have beaten out many Hollywood actresses to star as a young operative working with Tom Cruise. 


Patton and Cruise join returning actors Ving Rhames

and Simon Pegg along with new-to-the-franchise actor Jeremy Renner. The cameras start rolling this fall.  

Mission: Impossible is planned for a December 16, 2011 release.

'Bird on a Wire'...meet 'Knight and Day'

How many of you remember the 1990 flick Bird on a Wire (starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn), well I think it met its match (along with a James Bond twist) with the new summer film Knight and Day. It's a slightly different storyline, but it has all the remnants of the earlier flick. I felt like I was time warped watching this film, but at the same time enjoying it because it was taken to a new level.

Imagine a wholesome, Midwestern woman accidentally geting involved with an international super spy and is forced to flee the country with him while he protects a dangerous new piece of technology...Well this is a perfect picture of what Knight and Day is all about. You get to see a movie that gets straight to the point and takes no prisoners...and I like it!! Trust me you can't help but enjoy this movie!

You are constantly jumping out of your seat and shouting ooohs and ahhs, because of the amazement that hits the screen. After seeing Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz last in Vanilla Sky this movie, I was wondering could I be convinced that they could pull off another movie successfully. Their chemistry in this film sets a new mark that you can be waaaay better than your first time (think of it like getting that original high that seems unattainable).Their comic timing is great, and they even give us emotion just at the right moments.

Now I cannot forget the action its is one to be commended, every scene is non-stop from the exuberant amount of spilling bullets to the motorcycle chase amongst Spanish bulls to a remarkable & unbelievable car chase. Its not only a grand presentation but had twists of humor all thoughout.

My only gripe and its a minor one is the role of June Havens (Diaz), it almost seemed like they took "blonde and ditsy" to a whole different level. You begin to question can she do anything else in the film. Now here and there within the film she gets bold but is it enough? Here lies the question could there have been more potential to the movie?

Mind you now the the movie is a good, solid 130 mins but it sure does not feel that way (and that's not a bad thing), considering there was non-stop action throughout the whole film. I truly enjoyed the film and would definitely recommend you put this on your Summer list! Think of Knight and Day like a comfort food, its a pleasant diversion, a fun time at the cinema, and it doesn't ask much of the audience except to enjoy the ride.

Grade: 3 out of 4 stars