This Week's Crime Thriller Movies & DVDs:
The movie adaptation of Lee Child’s One Shot, called Jack Reacher, did mediocre business in the US, and better in Europe, and made just about enough money for the film studio to be jacking up a sequel - but which Reacher book should be adapted next, Lee Child fans? -
Reacher may be worth another look now that it’s been released on DVD and blueray. At the time, eyebrows were raised at the prospect of the famously compact Tom Cruise—reports put him in the region of five foot seven, give or take—playing Reacher, a character who is six foot five to the top of his buzz-cut.
Cruise worked with director Christoper McQuarrie on the Second World War drama Valkryie—MCQuarrie wrote the script—and for that reason alone, folks should give Jack Reacher the benefit of the doubt.
If you do rent or buy it, this is the kind of thing you’ll be watching:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK7y8Ou0VvM
Bernie is a Jack Black movie, but don’t let that put you off. It’s based on a true story about an assistant mortician in a Texas town called Bernie Tiede who formed a relationship with a cold and unpleasant widow, killed her and then used her money to support the local community. It’s directed by Richard Linklater, who worked with Black on School of Rock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7VSAFvPq7c
But of course, not many people will be going to see that, because everyone will be flocking to see this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1Y3P9D0Bc
If you like your crime to be gritty and realistic you may want to give Iron Man 3 a wide berth. However, if you like your crime solved by a flying billionaire in a red and gold suit, then Iron this superhero threequel is probably your kind of movie.
The script, based partly on the well-regarded Extremis storyline from the Iron Man comics, finds Tony Stark recovering following the events of The Avengers, and facing a new villain, The Mandarin. Early reviews have been very good, but whatever the quality, it will earn zillions at the cinema. My IMAX tickets are booked.
