Jack Reacher starts off incredibly with the mysterious murder of five random citizens. However, the opening scene seems to be the only interesting part of the movie, which has a plot that contains limited surprises.

The police quickly identify their suspect, James Barr (Joseph Sikora), who then tells them to bring Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) for him, without any other explanation.

The police discover that Jack Reacher is a military detective who has dropped off the grid. Without a credit card, known address, or even PO box, Reacher is a shadowy figure who takes the law into his own hands because he believes in his own brand of justice.

After some investigating, Reacher realizes that all the police’s gathered circumstantial evidence is suspicious and enters a series of violent confrontations with a construction corporation and its hired guns to discover the truth about the murders.

The villain is excellently cast and is the most memorable character in the movie. His ruthless, malicious attitude is exceptional and gives the casual viewer chills. Unfortunately, Cruise seems miscast as his performance lacks the gritty nature that the character requires.

Most of the supporting actors do not have major roles and are weak figures in the overall plot. In fact, the flaw of the movie is that readers could anticipate what is going to happen next; the movie’s plot goes downhill from its suspenseful beginning, lacking a major climactic moment.

However, not the entire movie is disappointing. There are some riveting action shots, especially near the end when Reacher takes on the villain in a major gunfight.

Although director Christopher McQuarrie employs outstanding stage action, this movie falls short in comparison with his previous hit, The Usual Suspects.