Many of Lee Child’s readers of the Jack Reacher novels know that he is a former military policeman, now a loner, who continually gets caught up in other people’s problems despite himself. He is tough, laconic and weighs 250 pounds or so.

So, who thought of having Tom Cruise for the screen version of Jack Reacher? Despite strong misgivings, I will admit that Tom Cruise is not too bad at all. Lee Child himself remarked that in the books Jack Reacher is like a sledgehammer whereas in the film, he will be more like a scalpel.

One other thing for Reacher readers, this film version of One Shot is a pretty good adaptation of the novel. A number of characters are shed, but the core of the novel is faithfully followed for screen action rather than merely being literal.

For those not familiar with the novels and character, Jack Reacher should prove an interesting, even intelligent, mystery action thriller.

A shooter who has shot five victims in the city centre is arrested and asks for Jack Reacher. It is assumed that he is to witness to the character of the shooter. Not at all. The two have a difficult history. This baffles the shooter’s lawyer, the DA (who happens to be the lawyer’s father), and the chief of police.

This is one of those 'things are not what they seem' tales and it is interesting to see where incidents and clues lead us. Some lead to a veteran shooter, played with his pleasing customary bluff by Robert Duvall, and to a mysterious Russian who is played by celebrated director, Werner Herzog - Peter Malone, Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting

Starring Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike and Richard Jenkins. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie. 130 minutes. Rated M (violence and infrequent coarse language).

Jack Reacher