As a dedicated film buff who’s spent years dissecting Hollywood’s biggest stars and their projects, I’ve always had a soft spot for actors who reinvent themselves across genres. Lately, I’ve been catching up on Tom Hanks’ latest venture, Here, and revisiting Tom Cruise’s action-packed Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. In this piece, I’ll share my thoughts on Here reviews, whether it’s a good movie, and how it ties into Hanks’ biographical flair—often evoking his “life movie” roles.
Diving into Here Reviews: Tom Hanks’ New Chapter
When I first heard about Here, Tom Hanks’ new movie released in November 2024, I was excited for his reunion with Robin Wright and director Robert Zemeckis—echoing their Forrest Gump magic from 1994. Adapted from Richard McGuire’s graphic novel, Here unfolds in a single living room over centuries, using de-aging tech to show Hanks and Wright’s characters aging through love, loss, and life’s quiet chaos. But does it deliver? My Here movie review: It’s ambitious and poignant in spots, but the execution feels uneven, earning it a mixed bag from critics.
Early Here reviews Tom Hanks highlight his heartfelt performance as Richard, a dreamer turned family man, but the film’s static camera gimmick—fixed on one spot—can feel more constraining than clever. On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at a “rotten” 33% from 33 reviews, with an average score of 5.4/10. Metacritic echoes this at 46/100. Roger Ebert’s site calls it “baffling,” criticizing Zemeckis for indulging in sentimentality that drags Hanks and Wright down. Yet, some fans on X praise its emotional pull, with one calling it a “cozy postcard about little moments that create a life.”
Is Here a Good Movie? My Honest Rating
Is Here a good movie? For me, it’s a 6/10—thought-provoking but flawed. The de-aging tech is innovative, blending Hanks’ younger self seamlessly, but the vignette-style storytelling jumps too abruptly, making it hard to connect emotionally. It’s like a beautiful scrapbook that’s missing glue. If you love introspective dramas like Forrest Gump, it’s worth a watch; otherwise, it might feel like an experiment gone awry. Audience scores are kinder at 76% on Rotten Tomatoes’ verified viewers, suggesting it resonates more with everyday folks than critics.
Tom Hanks’ “Life Movie” Legacy in Here
Tom Hanks has mastered the “Tom Hanks life movie”—those biographical or life-spanning tales where he embodies everyman resilience, from Philadelphia to Cast Away. Here fits this mold, tracing generations in one spot, much like his role in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It’s not a straight biopic, but Hanks’ portrayal of a man navigating parenthood, regret, and time feels deeply personal. As he told Variety in a 2024 interview, “It’s about the here and now, but also the ghosts we carry.” This reflective vibe elevates Here beyond gimmicks, making it a thoughtful addition to his filmography.
Shifting Gears to Jack Reacher: Never Go Back – Action with Edge
If Here is a quiet meditation, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (aka Jack Reacher 2) is pure adrenaline. Released on October 21, 2016, this sequel to the 2012 original reunites Tom Cruise as the nomadic ex-military investigator Jack Reacher. Directed by Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai), it’s based on Lee Child’s 2013 novel and grossed $162 million worldwide. I revisited it recently, and while it’s no Mission: Impossible, its gritty conspiracy thriller vibes make it a fun popcorn flick.
Plot of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (No Spoilers)
The story kicks off with Reacher (Cruise) heading to D.C. to meet Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), his old Army contact and potential romantic interest. But she’s arrested for treason, tied to murders of former soldiers. Framed himself, Reacher goes on the run with Turner, uncovering a web of government corruption involving a shady private military contractor. Along the way, a teenage girl (Danika Yarosh) enters the mix, adding family drama to the high-stakes chases and fights. It’s classic film Never Go Back territory: moral dilemmas, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and Reacher’s no-nonsense justice.
Jack Reacher 2 Cast Highlights
Cruise shines as the 6’5″ literary giant shrunk to his 5’7″ frame, bringing intensity and dry wit. Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) holds her own as the tough-as-nails Turner, while Yarosh adds spunk as the possible daughter figure. Supporting turns from Aldis Hodge, Patrick Heusinger (the villain), and Robert Knepper round out a solid ensemble. No weak links here—everyone commits to the thriller’s pulse.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Reviews and Ratings
Jack Reacher 2 movie reviews are mixed, much like Here, but lean more positive for action fans. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s 38% from critics (average 5.3/10), calling it “monotonously formulaic” but praising Cruise’s charisma. Metacritic scores 47/100, noting competent fights but a predictable plot. Roger Ebert gave it 2/4 stars, appreciating the “lizard-brain pleasures” of underdog triumphs but lamenting the lack of invention from the first film. IMDb users rate it 6.2/10, with fans on X echoing that it’s “entertaining but generic.” My rating: 6.5/10—better than average for a sequel, thanks to Cruise’s physicality in those rain-soaked brawls.
Connecting the Dots: From Life Stories to Lone Wolves
What strikes me comparing Here and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is the contrast in Hanks and Cruise’s styles. Hanks’ films often feel like warm embraces of human frailty, while Cruise’s are cold, calculated takedowns. Both explore legacy—family secrets in Here, paternal instincts in Never Go Back—but deliver it through vastly different lenses. As a viewer, it’s a reminder of why these stars endure: versatility amid familiarity.
Wrapping Up: Two Takes on Timeless Themes
Here might not be Tom Hanks’ best “life movie,” but its intimacy lingers, while Jack Reacher: Never Go Back delivers reliable thrills as Jack Reacher 2. Both showcase stars at their core—Hanks reflecting, Cruise charging ahead. What’s your pick: heartfelt drama or high-octane chase?