Jackie's Back!

I discovered this mockumentary in a rather serendipitous way; I was reading the liner notes of Grace Slick's Great Society album (check it out) and in an interview she said she was interested in acting, so I checked IMDb to see if she had ever done that and she hadn't except for a cameo in Jackie's Back.

This is a terrifically funny movie with a wondrous performance by Jenifer Lewis as a diva on the comeback trail. The movie is a constant string of gags, and while they don't all work, enough of them do to make the overall effect very entertaining.

The movie also may hold a record for cameos. A ton of entertainment people play themselves, and many of the bit parts are from fairly well- known actors. Of particular note is a hilarious bit by David Hyde Pierce as a deaf pianist.

The ending is a bit sappy, but why not end with a little heart?

It's also the most Lifetime Network part of the series, and I've got to say, I'm really curious how this wound up there. I think of Lifetime movies as being about white women struck by tragedy. Perhaps I'm wrong?

I saw Jackie's Back! for quite a few reasons, some more obvious than others, and I was very impressed. I loved the mockumentary style the film is told in, and I loved the lighting, costumes and sets too captured very well by some great camera work. I don't need to say how good the music is, I'll drop a hint actually it's brilliant and the renditions are every bit as good as well. The story may have some predictable spots, but it is well-paced and never fails to be interesting, and the script even with the odd dry area is ceaselessly hilarious. The performances and cameos are great. Jennifer Lewis is a revelation, being sassy, warm and endearing all at once, complete with a terrific voice. I am a huge Tim Curry fan, and while he sometimes overdoes the stuffiness and pomposity of his character he seems to be having great fun. Some of the biggest joys of Jackie's Back! were the cameos, the best of which were Whoopi Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce. The ending is sentimental, but effective. All in all, very good and entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I laughed throughout, except for the icky-sweet ending. I guess they decided to spoof everybody so that no ONE person could say it was about them. Although it was more of a Diana Ross/Pam Grier roast, they picked on everyone, and it was great! The cameo interviews were wonderful -- Penny Marshall, Don Cornelius, Dolly Parton, Diane Carroll, Howie Mandel, Liza Minelli, and that's just the beginning.

Tim Curry and Jenifer Lewis held the story together nicely around the numerous snippets and provided many comedic moments themselves. It is definitely worth your $1 at the video store, or better yet ... tape it next time it appears on Lifetime!

Jackie's Back should be remember for three things. 1/ Jenifer Lewis'scene stealing performances. She completely shines in this movie. 2/ The mockumentary style of the film. Think: Best in Show, A Mighty Wind. and 3/ The cameos. The cameos in this movie are of the best that i think i have seen. You've got Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Chris Rock, Sean Hayes, Ricki Lake, Rosie O'Donnell, David Hyde Pierce, Melissa Etheridge to name a FEW!

Jackie's back must not be taken too seriously or as a piece of cinematic history. It is not Oscar worthy script, but it's damn hilarious. Sit back, relax and watch the celebrities bag the s@$! out of Jackie Washington.

I'm a huge Tim Curry fan, so I initially watched this for that reason, but I have to say, this is one of the funniest movies I'd seen in a while. "Jackie" is a fallen diva, descended from George Washington (according to her), about to make a comeback. I loved all the cameos, you can tell just by the people willing to make cameos in this that they thought it was a hilarious concept. The end is a bit too sappy, but I can forgive that. LOved "The Milkman".. my favorite scene is Jackie saying, "I never stabbed him with no afro pick... he FELL on that afro pick" and then the indentations on Milkman's forehead.... just beautiful! Great movie... I highly recommend it!