“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”: A Critical and Commercial Disappointment

Introduction

“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,” the 2016 action thriller starring Tom Cruise, holds the dubious distinction of being the second most popular movie on Netflix, according to the platform’s public ranking system. This unexpected popularity stands in stark contrast to the film’s dismal critical and commercial reception.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” received a barrage of negative reviews from critics. Many criticized the film’s uninspired plot, lack of character development, and formulaic action sequences. Some reviewers even went so far as to call it a “train wreck.” The film’s overall critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes is a paltry 32%.

Box Office Performance

The critical panning of “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” translated into disappointing box office results. The film grossed a mere $162 million worldwide, well below the $218 million earned by its predecessor, “Jack Reacher.” This financial failure effectively killed any hopes for a third installment in the film franchise.

Adaptations

Despite the poor performance of “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,” the Jack Reacher series of novels by Lee Child has continued to be adapted into other media. Amazon Prime Video has released a TV series starring Alan Ritchson in the titular role. This series has received more positive reviews than the film, although it has also been criticized for its deviations from the source material.

Trending Movies on Streaming Services

In addition to “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,” several other movies are currently trending on various streaming services. These include:

* “Faye”: A documentary about the life and career of Academy Award-winning actress Faye Dunaway.
* “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black”: A drama thriller starring Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict as a divorced couple with a dark past.
* “On the Rocks”: A comedy-drama written and directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Bill Murray and Rashida Jones as a father-daughter duo.
* “Casino”: Martin Scorsese’s classic 1995 crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci.

Conclusion

The success of “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” on Netflix is a testament to the enduring appeal of Tom Cruise and action-thriller genre. However, the film’s critical and commercial failure serves as a reminder that not all sequels are worth making. The continued success of the Jack Reacher series in other media formats suggests that the character still has plenty of life left in him, but it remains to be seen whether another film adaptation will ever live up to the expectations of fans.