Did you know that one of the definitions of "
jack" is: Any of several food and game
fishes of the family
Carangidae, found in tropical and temperate seas? I didn't.
From Film.com:
"Some journeys are measured by what you sacrifice to get there", is the rather apt tagline for the latest gangster flick,
Jack Said, based on Paul Tanter's successful graphic novel. Fledgling directors Lee Basannavar and Michael Tchoubouroff's dark and gritty new film is such a non-descript journey of sorts that it has you questioning the sacrifice of roughly an hour-and-a-half's worth of viewing time. Like a poor man's version of the stylish
Sin City,
Jack Said does raise initial expectations with the opening black-and-white hostage scenes that give credit to the film-makers' willingness to try interesting angles and design, respectfully in-keeping with the cartoon images in the novel. But transforming the visuals into grainy, washout colour soon after provides little impact or incentive, short of adding to the look and feel of low-budget (almost student) film trying to emulate the drama in its bigger budget brother. In fact,
Jack Said may have fared better as a TV feature, and it certainly speaks volumes that the title is going straight to DVD on 5th October, so soon after its theatrical run.