King Jack (2015)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

This is best described as a 'coming of age' film I'd say. Whatever that really means. Ever notice that these films, if artily shot and well acted can get away with a lot?This is in that category. What does it get away with? Well, a lead character who I think you're supposed to root for who really isn't all that likable. If you're not really meant to root for him the film is just a short glimpse of his life that doesn't really mean a great deal or lead anywhere. It's just a series of crappy events that he lives through for a few days.Hazy summer shots skillfully photographed and easy on the ear melancholy songs help glide you along. But for me at the end I'm just wondering, well, why? Is there a point? No? Well at least it looked pretty.You may as well watch 'Mud' for a masterful example in this genre

Acting was good, soundtrack was good (though at times more uplifting than the moment deserved), tone was good, but overall it was too gritty for what it was, and there wasn't enough character growth or reason for the character growth. I don't know, maybe that's just the way "slice-of-life" movies tend to be. But it seemed possibly too overtly brutal - my dad watching it with me just walked away half way through when it became clear this was going to be just a lot of violent bullying, uncomfortable teen coed angst/drinking/fighting/smoking etc. Overall I respect the movie - it was well done and I'll tell people about it, but I'm not about to full-heartedly recommend it or watch it again.

This is definitely another one of those realistic, quiet independent dramas that surfaces around. Just like many of those dramas, this one is really good. The actors at the core are really effective at bringing to life their characters and succeed at not making them walking stereotypes. It helps that they have a really good script to work with, one that doesn't gloss over many of the issues that plague childhood but also a director who is very aware of these problems and just how the cycle of bullying can continue on, and where it may originate from. Really good film, definitely recommended for many of those fans who already seek out films like this

I attended Tribeca Film Festival 2015 to screen 'King Jack', this was followed by a QNA with director Felix Thompson along with the cast and crew.I had only read a brief summary for this film before viewing as I wanted to be spontaneous. From start till finish it really kept my mouth open. King Jack is played by Charlie Plummer, the story follows a boy growing up in a suburban area. Normally day consists of neglect and bullying. Due to his aunt becoming sick, his cousin Ben played by Cory Nichols has to stay with Jack and his family and this is the last thing that Jack needs right now. With problems already occurring in Jack's life, his cousin gets involved with Jack as he deals with his reality.This movie beautifully analyses the use of friendship and finding that point were you have a real emotion towards someone. Turning that mood where you have no feelings to one that allow you to open up. This perfectly describes a young boy's childhood in these kind of circumstances. As a directorial debut Felix Thompson completely won me over with a rather funny first shot involved with a garage until the beautiful ending that concluded a magnificent film that I will most certainly catch again.