Jack Says – 2008

I love British films, even more when they are obscure and slightly unknown to the public, but once in a while a gem will surface to the top of the pile. Jack Says is a gritty, powerful story of one man’s attempt at trying to piece back together a shady past.

Waking up next to a dead body covered in blood, and only armed with a racy photograph and an address Jack must fight his way through memories and own personal demons to reveal the truth to who he is and what has happened.

Jack Says is shot very well, tight and free flowing camera angles coupled with great locations adds to the tension that the film generates. The screenplay written by Paul Tanter develops the characters slowly enough that the audience can get a real feel as to who they are as well as a like or disliking to them.

As for the cast, well, acting legend Mike Reid in his last role before he sadly passed away is brilliant as the Guv’nor and Eric Cantona whose philosophical cool is second to none makes a great cameo. Jack himself played by Simon Phillips displays an aura of rugged determination as the somewhat archetypal hero, but there is enough raw talent here to prove that this is British film at its best.

Some similar comparisons may be made to Sin City as the film dips into noir for the occasional flash back from Jack’s past, but these only add to the films credibility and I loved the way they were shot. While it might not have all the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood gangster flick Jack Says is violent and sexy in its own right and is surely going to be a big hit with the Inde film crowd!

View the trailer

Rating: (3.5/5)

Visit the IMDb page for Jack Says

DVD Extras: deleted/extended scenes, a Making Of, a report on the premier and an ‘Eric Cantona gag reel’

Please feel free to leave a comment about this film, I would love to know what you think and I will do my best to respond!