new Jack Reacher series on Amazon Prime - Super Enjoyable

zybar · « **on:** 11 Feb 2022, 07:46 pm »

First off, I am a huge Jack Reacher fan and have read all of the 20+ books by Lee Childs.

This new series is significantly better (a size appropriate actor, more accurate, more entertaining, better story telling, etc...) than the two movies that starred Tom Cruise.

If you read and liked the books, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this series.

If you never read the books and enjoy an action packed series that has a nice pace to it, I am pretty confident that you will enjoy it as well.

It is only 8 episodes in length (roughly 45 mins each episode) so it is long enough to develop the characters and plot, but not a gigantic time investment.

George

WGH · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 08:20 pm »

Yea, the series is big fun. I watched the series in only 2 days.

A friend, who is a Reacher fan and has read all the books too, binged all 8 episodes in 1 day.

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 08:36 pm »

My mom is a big Jack Reacher fan and has read all the books. She was very upset at the Tom Cruise casting and refused to see the second movie. She'd love this casting, but unfortunately has no way to stream anything, so I'm a little reluctant to tell her about it. I never read the books and loved this series.

Tarheel · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 08:46 pm »

Yep...it was good fun. Watched it in two days. Joe Pickett (on demand) was good as well.
I'm ready for another season of Yellowstone.

WGH · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 09:21 pm »

Quote from: Tarheel on 11 Feb 2022, 08:46 pm

I'm ready for another season of Yellowstone.

I like 1883, the Yellowstone prequel.

glynnw · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 10:23 pm »

I am a Reacher book fan and loved episode 1 of new series. An important part of Reacher's personality is that he is a BIG guy and is not afraid to use it. As much as I like many Tom Cruise movies, he was just never a fit for this role. I am going to take my time watching the next 7 episodes.

rbbert · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Feb 2022, 11:08 pm »

Hopefully Reacher will become the “new” Bosch, running for many more seasons.

On a side note, the quality of the books has fallen off a cliff with Lee Childs turning the writing over to Andrew Gross. If he’s not going to continue writing hopefully he will devote some of that energy and expertise to continuing this TV series.

ajzepp · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Feb 2022, 08:57 am »

You guys like it much better than I do, it seems. I was really looking forward to it, but it feels like the same sort of formulaic stuff I've seen a million times. Also find the lead actor to be incredibly stiff and lacking charisma. Just didn't see any point to continuing beyond the 3rd episode.

Early B. · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Feb 2022, 12:39 pm »

Quote from: ajzepp on 13 Feb 2022, 08:57 am

Also find the lead actor to be incredibly stiff and lacking charisma.

I binged watched the series over the past two days. Never read the books, but I think the lead is perfectly cast. He appears to function on a low level of the autism scale which is funny, at times. Besides, he's a killing machine, so you shouldn't expect a charming personality. Those guys are better suited for chick flicks.

jtcf · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Feb 2022, 07:08 pm »

I'm A fan of the books too.He is a bit more of a smart alec and more aggressive than in the books. But still very entertaining. I like it.

ajzepp · « **Reply #10 on:** 18 Feb 2022, 11:30 am »

Quote from: Early B. on 13 Feb 2022, 12:39 pm

I binged watched the series over the past two days. Never read the books, but I think the lead is perfectly cast. He appears to function on a low level of the autism scale which is funny, at times. Besides, he's a killing machine, so you shouldn't expect a charming personality. Those guys are better suited for chick flicks.

It was a more diplomatic way of saying that I don't really think he's a strong actor. Maybe he's being directed that way, i dont know. First time I've seen him in anything. I would compare him to what John Cena was before Peacemaker. Cena was stiff as a board and, IMO, stood out like a sore thumb among his more talented cohorts. Then magically, James Gunn got hold of him, and now he's actually pretty good. To each their own, though.

Woodsea · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Feb 2022, 11:45 am »

The lead is playing the way the ensemble wants him to play Reacher...if you can stomach bawdy humor, he was the lead in a little known series called Blue Mountain State. I warn you to watch Reacher first, though.
I too have read nearly all of the series. Cruise's version is not Reacher. The Amazon version is much closer. I enjoyed it.

Tarheel · « **Reply #12 on:** 18 Feb 2022, 02:03 pm »

Any idea on when season two begins?

AKLegal · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Feb 2022, 02:12 pm »

Quote from: ajzepp on 13 Feb 2022, 08:57 am

You guys like it much better than I do, it seems. I was really looking forward to it, but it feels like the same sort of formulaic stuff I've seen a million times. Also find the lead actor to be incredibly stiff and lacking charisma. Just didn't see any point to continuing beyond the 3rd episode.

I was writing a response but then I saw this post which sums up my thoughts perfectly. I gave it four episodes because I like Malcolm Goodwin.

skalos · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Mar 2022, 09:30 pm »

Hello,

I'm a Reacher book fan. The video series is good. However, Reacher in the books has more charisma, is smart, self assured, but isn't as arrogant as in the video series.

Oh, and Reacher in the books is a music and audio buff (I would say audiophile but fans know about what equipment and music he owns (no spoilers)).

SK

Vince in TX · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Mar 2022, 01:23 am »

Quote from: ajzepp on 13 Feb 2022, 08:57 am

You guys like it much better than I do, it seems. I was really looking forward to it, but it feels like the same sort of formulaic stuff I've seen a million times. Also find the lead actor to be incredibly stiff and lacking charisma. Just didn't see any point to continuing beyond the 3rd episode.

I had a similar impression, but gave it the benefit of the doubt and finished the season. And you're right. Predictable, formulaic, lacking anything new or innovative. Not sure I'll be tuning in for Season 2.

Cheytak.408 · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Mar 2022, 06:41 am »

Quote from: rbbert on 11 Feb 2022, 11:08 pm

Hopefully Reacher will become the “new” Bosch, running for many more seasons.

On a side note, the quality of the books has fallen off a cliff with Lee Childs turning the writing over to Andrew Gross. If he’s not going to continue writing hopefully he will devote some of that energy and expertise to continuing this TV series.

Bosch was well written and acted. Character development was excellent. Harry was also a vinyl lover and the music on the show was most excellent. Titus Welliver played Harry Bosch perfectly. Looking forward to the IMDb partial reboot very much.

I've read all of the Jack Reacher books and I thought the somewhat droll portrayal of Reacher was pretty well handled by Alan Richson. He's not a lovable guy. He does know how to say"No..."

rbbert · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Mar 2022, 01:02 pm »

I was a bit irritated by the supposed love of LP’s in the Bosch TV series, since in the books he is a CD lover…

sunnydaze · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Mar 2022, 01:47 pm »

Quote from: Vince in TX on 8 Mar 2022, 01:23 am

I had a similar impression, but gave it the benefit of the doubt and finished the season. And you're right. Predictable, formulaic, lacking anything new or innovative. Not sure I'll be tuning in for Season 2.

I felt the same way. Big eye roll, and cringe-worthy in spots. Felt like a semi-cheezey TV movie. Same old, same old......

mick wolfe · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Mar 2022, 11:22 pm »

Quote from: sunnydaze on 8 Mar 2022, 01:47 pm

I felt the same way. Big eye roll, and cringe-worthy in spots. Felt like a semi-cheezey TV movie. Same old, same old......

Yeah, has the old "made for TV movie" feel. Even with the predictable violence and a dash of nudity sprinkled in, it lacks grit and never feels in any way unique, creative or real. I'll eventually finish the season, but it's been somewhat of a disappointment considering the hype going in. This especially since many of the TV produced series from HBO, Netflix, Prime etc. over the last several years are every bit as solid or better than the movies coming out of Hollywood.