As a female fan of Jack Reacher and Lee Childs books, I can see how Mr. Childs gave Tom Cruise rights to play the part and produce the movie. Tom Cruise brings the spirit, quiet toughness, intelligence and physicality to the role of retired MP, drifter Jack Reacher. Yes, he is not the 6'5" 200+, but, if you can't move beyond height and believe ONLY the looks of a person makes the part, then don't see the movie. I cheered, as did the rest of the audience, when Tom Cruise/Jack Reacher whooped behinds and killed the bad guy thru only an inch of hair. I guess they were Jack Reacher fans also. Hope this becomes another franchise.