Reacher

Amazon scores with a surprise series right off the turn of the year. Reacher seemed pretty unremarkable, but it's a hit and noteworthy for fans of gritty stories. Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise was just OK to me, but this is a different cup of tea. Alan Ritchson is a B-list actor, but you have to admit that he handled this role very well; he has charisma, he's a buffed up dick who commands respect, he has great lines and almost no weaknesses, so the viewer can easily forgive him for his acting ineptitude. The series probably reminded me most of Banshee and maybe that's what won me over. A small town, one police station with a new backup, murders and a well-built story that never gets boring and is spiced up with excellent action. For me the first episode remained unbeaten (the fight in the restroom had me screaming until my living room walls were cracking – prison scenes are always the best), and over the course of the series there were probably only two or three decent fights and a couple of shootouts, so in the end it isn't that action packed, but the nasty murders that have a touch of Se7en (a crucified guy with his balls in his mouth!), a great central likeable trio and a decent bad guy make this a fine affair that isn't about dead bodies or a decent twist by a long shot. Decent stuff for me, after all those crime-drama series this is downright something for me. Story 4/5, Action 4/5, Humor 3/5, Violence 4/5, Fun 4/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 4/5, Atmosphere 4/5, Suspense 4/5, Emotion 3/5, Actors 3/5. 8.5/10. (02/14/2022)

The first season was a bit more likeable as it was set in a small town and very much evoked my favourite Banshee. It was also only Reacher's, here he gets a team so he has a bit less space, but apart from the sexy Serinda Swan, I wasn't too impressed with the team, but never mind. Alan Ritchson is a good fit for the role, he's put on some muscle and is a decent beast, breaking limbs with a swipe (I like the contact and brutal action, where limbs are broken in bulk). However, there's a lack of a more pronounced fight like the one in the prison toilet in the first season. Plot-wise it's not bad either, the terminator-like villain is cool and there's definitely no shortage of tension and fun. This series still has a lot to offer. And now I’d love to see an action movie with Ritchson. 8/10. (01/29/2024)