‘REACHER: SEASON 3’ ON AMAZON PRIME

The diminutive Tom Cruise didn’t seem a likely candidate for the role of Jack Reacher in the adaptation of Lee Child’s series of best-selling “Reacher” novels for the movies named after the character.

In contract to the films, the “Reacher” series on Amazon Prime feature the muscular Alan Ritchson, who looks like a bodybuilder but isn’t. Due to his height and physique, his portrayal of the titular character proves credible for the demanding physical action.

Similar to the movies, Jack Reacher, a former Army military police major, is a nomad carrying nothing more than a toothbrush and fists powerful enough to knock someone into next week.

The third season of “Reacher” finds the big guy once again embroiled in dangerous intrigue, this time helping DEA agents in an undercover case, while also getting reunited with his old Army colleague Frances Neagley (Maria Sten).

While trying to sell old vinyl to a used record store, Reacher spots an abduction taking place of college art student Richard Beck (Johnny Berchtold) when his chauffeured vehicle is rammed by an old Toyota pickup.

The kidnapping is foiled by Reacher in a hail of bullets disabling the getaway vehicle. However, there is collateral damage that puts Reacher in a bind; a cop is mistaken as one of the bad guys and is shot by Reacher.

Richard has been taken before and his mutilated ear is proof that previous kidnappers held him for ransom in a shakedown of his father Zachary (Anthony Michael Hall), a carpet merchant.

One has to wonder immediately how a businessman selling rugs affords to live in a mansion, with bodyguards and household staff, on the scenic, rocky Atlantic coast of Maine.

The answer comes from hard-nosed DEA agent Susan Duffy (Sonya Cassidy), who is searching for a missing informant within the Beck operation. A flashback after the kidnapping reveals the reason Reacher becomes a willing partner with the DEA to ingratiate himself into the Beck compound.

Once on the inside, it looks like Reacher’s greatest nemesis will be Beck’s 7-foot-tall goon Paulie (Olivier Richters), whose fierce stare alone would make a mere mortal shudder. Things are going to get interesting.

ORIGINAL MOVIES FOR LIFETIME IN MARCH

The Lifetime Channel offers two new original crime story movies and the final installment of the epic “Single Black Female” franchise that will premiere during the month of March.

Inspired by real events, “Taken at a Basketball Game” follows a father desperately searching for his teenage daughter after she is abducted while attending a basketball game, hence the fitting title.

Desperate to bond with his estranged 18-year-old daughter Robyn (Claire Qute), Wayne Edwards (D.B. Woodside) gets them tickets to a game where he envisions them cheering on their favorite team while they reconnect.

However, when Robyn goes to the restroom and fails to return, a father’s worst fear is confirmed when Wayne realizes she’s been kidnapped. On a mission to find her in a stadium filled with thousands of people, Wayne races against the clock and will stop at nothing find her before it is too late.

A thriller with an underlying criminal element, “Wife Stalker” is the story of a couple, Joanna (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Leo (Trai Byers), who seem to have it all.

Two adorable children, Evie (Alayna Bernard) and Aaron (AJ Bernard), and a beautiful house in the suburbs. But their perfect marriage begins to unravel when Piper (Grace Byers), the owner of a wellness center, moves to town and sets her sights on Leo who quickly falls for her charms.

As Piper ruthlessly maneuvers her way into the family, Joanna starts digging into her past and discovers some very disturbing secrets, including two previous dead husbands.

Fearing for the safety of her family, Joanna is determined to find the proof that she needs and expose Piper in time to protect their home life.

The psychological thriller is based on the best-selling book “The Wife Stalker,” by Liv Constantine, which is described on Amazon as being “filled with chilling serpentine twists.”

“Single Black Female 3: The Final Chapter” reunites Raven Goodwin, Amber Riley and K. Michelle to their roles for a franchise inspired by the 1992 film “Single White Female.”

After being wrongfully convicted of murder, Monica (Raven Goodwin) has finally been exonerated, but freedom comes at a price. Though the charges have been dropped, the stain of suspicion lingers, and reclaiming her life and career is proving to be an uphill battle.

Meanwhile, the real threat has yet to vanish. Simone (Amber Riley), Monica’s half-sister, has fled to a convent in Mexico, having no choice but to abandon Houston, along with her daughter Joy (Kennedy Chanel).

When a terrifying nightmare shakes her to her core, Simone becomes convinced Joy is in danger and returns to Houston, for a final reckoning between the estranged half-sisters.

It’s only a matter of time before old grudges resurface and Monice and Simone come face-to-face. K. Michelle reprises her role as Monica’s best friend Bebe.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.