Jackpot

If this was 1972, Jackpot would star Jack Nicholson as a talented, but down on his luck musician searching the dusty corners of the country looking for his big break and the pieces of his squandered life. Critics would hail it as being gritty and brave. But Jackpot takes place in the here and now. And while it's hero is searching the dusty corners of the country looking for his big break and the pieces of his squandered life, he is utterly talentless, mean spirited, self centered, and a pathetic jerk to boot. Needless to say, critics did hail Jackpot in the least. Which, I can't blame them for. A year and a half ago I left the theater feeling I experienced nothing more than a loss of $10. I felt the film was pointless, aimless, and without any real payoff. But, after 5 blocks on the walk home I realized, so are the lives of the characters.

Therein lies the beauty of the film. It's the man behind the legend that was never a legend to begin with (except in his own mind). It's a '70s anti-hero film except with the sense to show the "hero" for who he really is. Not a tortured genius. But, only a loser with delusion of tortured genius.

And, upon repeated viewing it's aimlessness becomes invisible. In fact, the script is militant in it's tightness. But, the direction never chooses to hit you over the head with it's plot or it's points.

Instead, opting to throw them about almost offhanded, allowing them to seep in (as it did for me, and perhaps not for others).

Jackpot is rich in it's rewards to those who pay attention. And besides, any film that can go from being terrible to great in 5 blocks has to be worth something.

This film is not just that typical on the road Middle America odyssey, with frequent stops in kitschy bars and dusty diners. Jackpot has a well written script with a strong focus on character development and interaction. Gries and Morris work well together as a fly-by-night duo. Gries' goofy but personable character allows his mediocre singing to be quite intriguing. The witty dialogue was enjoyable and consistent throughout the film. Most notable is Garret Morris' performance. The film was a clever attempt to show two zealous characters struggle for an unrealistic, waste of a goal. You can't help but be envious of their carefree attitude and at the same time loathe their divergence from ideal responsibilities. It's realism allows for a vicarious experience and an appreciation of great screenwriting.

Even more than the previous, awesome movie by the Polish brothers, "Jackpot" presents a quiet, even-keeled portrait of what at first seem like a ridiculous pair, but who's sincerity and refusal to give up makes you admire them. There's a kindness to the ironic view that is a relief; the characters are not exaggerated or spoofed into cartoon-condition, their audiences aren't either. The tone of the film is respectful yet ironic - a healthy mix. The cinematography is nothing less than beautiful, again as was the previous film from M & Polish, "Twin Falls Idaho". Same cinematographer, David Mullen, but this time the movie originated on 24P, high-definition video, and was converted to film. It's really very beautiful, the tones are just right, the look doesn't distract from the story at any time, but if you care for such things, it is really a visual treat. I think the movie might have gained from a little 'scissors action' towards the end it started to drag a bit, but not enough to change the fact that this is a wonderful and completely enjoyable movie in many ways.

This flashback, head trip style is confusing at first but really works at the story unfolds. Once we find Sunny Holiday (Jon Gries, great job by the way) sitting in his car rewinding and fast forwarding his tape over and over until finally interrupted by his karoake tour manager, Les (Garrett Morris) you realize he is as obsessive compulsive as his brother (played by Anthony Edwards and Rick Oberton).

Funny moments besides a few fart jokes include Mac Davis not feeling his own real life his BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME does not feel right for him.

A simple story about a simple man....with more in his head than his brain can process. He sits in his car, rewinding and fast-forwarding his favorite song as he "spins" through the high and low points of his marriage and singing "career." Bizarre flick brilliantly cut! The film, I am told, was shot on 24p Hi Def video. Bravo.....looks like Film! Great color too! A technological must see.