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Created Dec 30, 2012 07:01AM PST • Edited Dec 30, 2012 07:01AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Judging from past Tom Cruise movies, and even the Jack Reacher trailer, I expected a part-for-the-course action film. Instead, what got was some of the same-old-same-old, but with a decent attempt to add an intriguing plot. The typical Cruise-like action was just a bit more low key. To fill in the gap: an interesting who-dunnit plot with some Holmes-like deductions, and a few unexpected twists. There was an underpinning of over-done violence, but in most cases, it added to the plot rather than just being an unnecessary accessory. All in all, Cruise deserves to add another successful notch in his belt for this one.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Tom Cruise: Not much to say except he does what you have now expected him to always do: Be the macho, cool, and slightly rebellious hero with snappy lines.

   Rosamund Pike turns in a decent performance as the lawyer who becomes Cruise’s crime fighting partner.

   Richard Jenkins does not have a major role as Rosamund’s D.A. dad, but he’s always good to have on your cast.

   Robert Duvall: A short part, but he’s great as the gruff and loyal ex-marine who does what’s right.

   Josh Hellman: A boyish look for a criminal, but convincing enough

   David Oyelowo was new to me. He did decently in his dirty-cop role, but not a performance that is memorable in any way

   Werner Herzog was also decent as the old king-pin, but in the end he ended up seeming like just old and frail; I’m not sure that was intended.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 2.6

17. Sex Erotic 2.6

18. Violence Brutal 2.6

19. Rudeness Profane 2.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.7

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.8