May 8, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • Page 33 Tom Cruise portrays brutal anti-hero in ‘Jack Reacher’ by Dennis Seuling “Jack Reacher” (Paramount Home Entertainment), based on Lee Child’s popular series of novels, stars Tom Cruise in the title role of a mysterious military investigator who looks into the murders of several civilians by a skilled sharpshooter. Reacher is a loner who solves crimes because he avoids falling into conventional thinking. Having spent years as an Army cop, he now keeps a low profile, traveling under aliases and operating on instinct. He knows the law often fails to provide justice, so he dedicates himself to getting that justice. Because Reacher has a photographic memory, it is tough for his quarry to hide. An occasional remark made days or even years ago remains fresh in his memory. In the novels, Reacher is 6’ 4”, a far cry from Cruise’s stature, but his Reacher does an effective job conveying a self-confident swagger and handling himself competently when danger encroaches. Cruise draws upon earlier action flick performances, so the viewer is familiar with the formula. Under Christopher McQuarrie’s direction, the movie offers lots of action, though the middle sags a bit. Rosamund Pike co-stars as defense attorney and love interest Helen Rodin, David Oyelowo portrays a tough detective, and Werner Herzog is a solid bad guy. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack contains commentary by Cruise and McQuarrie and three behindthe-scenes featurettes. “Steel Magnolias” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) is a remake of the 1989 film of the same name. Chronicling the lives of six Louisiana women who congregate at Truvy’s Beauty Spot to gossip, confide in one Tom Cruise stars as the title character in ‘Jack Reacher.’ another, and express their dreams and fears, this version features an African-American cast. This film might have been more interesting if director Kenny Leon had made something other than a nearly straight copy of the superior original, with its lustrous cast of Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, and Sally Field. The remake cast includes Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Alfre Woodard, Adepero Oduye, and Condola Rashad -- all of whom are very good, but fail to give the story a new point of view. It is a shame to see so much talent squandered in this undistinguished effort. The DVD release contains no extras. “Not Fade Away” (Paramount Home Entertainment) depicts the impact of the 1960s British rock ’n’ roll invasion on suburban New Jersey teenagers. Doug (John Magaro) is a high school student enamored of a set of drums in the window of the local music store. He meets another musician and they start a band, learn the latest Rolling Stones hit, and begin playing for basement parties, where he hopes to connect with an upper-class schoolmate, Grace (Bella Heathcote). Doug’s working-class father, Pat (James Gandolfini), doesn’t share his son’s vision of a celebrity future. A TV set airing a tribute to the recently assassinated John F. Kennedy sets the period as late 1963, and the times are rapidly changing. Writer David Chase has captured the era and characters vividly, particularly in the details and the terrific soundtrack of ‘60s music. It is not necessary to be a fan of ‘60s rock to like this film. Unfolding episodically, this coming-of-age film is endearing in its innocence. The mostly unknown cast is excellent, but it is Gandolfini who shines. Rather than merely play Pat as a law-abiding version of Tony Soprano, he delves deeply into his blue-collar character to portray his regrets and desires. Blu-ray bonus extras include deleted scenes and several featurettes. “Gamer” (Lionsgate) combines reality and video games in a science fiction action thriller. In the not-toodistant future, mind-control technology allows humans (continued on Crossword page)