Review of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) by Barney O — 16 Apr 2017

WHAT I LIKED: Overall, 'Jack Reacher: Never go Back' is an enjoyable and satisfying sequel as it aims to deliver on the highs, and develop the lows of its fun predecessor. That's largely a success too, as some great new female characters (who set a bit of a genre benchmark themselves) join Reacher on a more personal and deeper journey into what is most certainly a better and more interesting plot than before.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Whilst what it's doing is better, the way it does it largely lags behind the ways of the first film. Yes unfortunately the script just lacks a little finesse so the emotional moments feel slightly forced, and the overall direction falls behind too. Gone are the 90s touches, rich score and beautiful cinematography; in it's place is a mood that's a little more genre-standard stuff, and action that similarly lacks outstanding drive or flair.

VERDICT: A very passable and enjoyable action flick that's doing all the right things in a way that just can't quite live up to the efforts of before. One thing's for sure though; it really doesn't deserve its hate.