Here is the latest trailer for the movie, Jack Reacher, scheduled for release in theaters December 21. It’s based on Lee Child’s book, One Shot, which I read last year. In fact I have read 11 of the 17 available Reacher books; I hope I can read them all before I give in to the temptation to see the film adaptation of One Shot. I’m afraid of allowing Tom Cruise the opportunity to diminish my own imagination’s view of Reacher.
Mystery book fans don’t like to see their series’ heroes painted with an inaccurate brush – agreed? Well I thought the film adaptation of Lincoln Lawyer did not take away from the books. On the other hand, I’ll never forget how disgusted I was with V. I. Warshawski, the film adaptation of Sarah Paretsky’s Deadlock. It transformed the wonderful lead character of Paretsky’s series into a joke.
So, we’ll see about Jack Reacher.
Actually the trailer does reflect a number of scenes that I recall from Child’s book version of One Shot, although – I don’t remember the cutesy little escape-into-the-crowd scene where a bystander gives Reacher his hat.
Author’s thoughts on the Jack Reacher film
Is Lee Child happy with the film? According to his website, YES. Keep in mind Lee Child had an active career in television production before he began working on the Jack Reacher books, so his view of books-into-movies may differ from mine or yours. His is a bit more practical. Mine is what Lee Child refers to as fantasy. See the remarks recorded below:
Incidentally, if you are a Jack Reacher mystery book fan, you already know that Reacher is 6’6″ tall. Tom Cruise is a lot shorter! But Child has said (Wikipedia) that Reacher’s large size is just a metaphor for an unstoppable force… so, not to worry. I hope.
For more on the movie, check http://www.jackreachermovie.com/
Just wanted to remark on the 4:50 from Paddington that two really outstanding and FUN movies have been made from this story. The first is called “Murder She Said” and stars the indomitable Margaret Rutherford. The story was significantly modified into a star vehicle for Rutherford–but WHO CARES? She is FUN to watch! And please do see, or see again Joan Hickson’s incomparable portrayal of Miss Marple on PBS–also available from your local library (plug, plug). Remember, what the local detective said of Miss Marple “just the finest detective God ever made.” Personally, I raise my Royal Doulton teacup in tribute to that detective.
And if you like cozies, Miss Marple supplied a parlour-polite definition for us in some dialogue with a friend:
“I think, my Dear”, said Miss Marple, “we won’t talk any more about murder during tea. Such an unpleasant subject!” Indeed it is, and in the spirit of Miss Marple, I will end my discussion right now!