Jack Says

As a fan of film noir and graphic novels, I had to see this film, so I went to Swansea when it was on at the film festival. I'm glad I did.

I'd already read the prequel graphic novel Jack Said, so I guess I kind of had an advantage over the rest of the audience, as I knew the back story. I'm pleased to say the film was as good as the comic.

The lead, Simon Phillips, reminded me at times of a mix between Daniel Craig and Clive Owen, and the female lead Rita Ramnani was great as the... I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say it's nice to see someone actually portray emotions rather than just pouting (Knightly, I'm looking in your direction). The french girl who played Girl X was really good too.

This was such a great story with a REALLY good twist that I genuinely never saw coming. Mike Reid was excellent as The Guvnor and I'm glad his character features in the graphic novel Jack Said too.

OK, let me start by saying, i love gangster flicks and I love gritty thrillers, neither of which this is. The only chance of this being a good movie is for you to suspend belief, imagine the world is like a James Bond set, and think the Scottish are the baddest dudes in Europe.

The acting is not the best I have ever seen and thats OK, there are not many stars in this film, however, the actual footage is unrealistic, from Eric Cantona befriending a Scottish stranger (really the french being generous and buying whiskey?!), to the sudden appearance of a cigarette smoked by the main actor about 30 mins in, in a dead end alley that resembled Brixton rather than France. Oh and see how much is smoked in that five mins of scenery, its a full cigarette when thrown!! This film feels like the scriptwriter wrote down all the things that made a good gangster flick and threw them into a blender, letting them land here, there and everywhere, sadly you cant make a film this easily or I would be the next scorsese to! It's sad in a way, because this had the opportunity to be a trainspotting, it could have worked, if only there had been more thought as to the characters, there were too many 'this will do' in this film, and that totally messed it up! A little more attention to detail would pay off in the long run!

I saw this film at the Swansea Bay Film Festival in July - and it's well worth the wait to come to DVD! I'am not gonna tell you what happens - but put it this way Mike Reid steals the show, which seems fitting as it's his last ever film! What a legend. Rula Lenska also plays a gangster in this film - she was in Gypo as a nutter as well so no change there then! The legend Eric Cantona is in there as well! He plays a french philosopher - bet that was his idea. The film is really well acted by everyone, and is gritty underground story of lust and betrayal set between London and Paris - pretty good in my opinion and well worth a watch. Music is catchy, and i have been trying to find out what music they use on the trailer?

This film is one of the UK's best indie features to come out in a long time, and Guy Ritchie had better watch out - because these guys have got plenty of raw talent to back everything up! Not to sure about the detective character in the film, but then perhaps I am not meant to be sure about him - there's a lot going on in here! Stunning women, extreme violence and Mike Reid and Eric Cantona - can't really ask for a lot more from these guys really. I hear the film is based on a graphic novel entitled JACK SAID - but haven't read it as yet! But will do after seeing this excellent first time effort from Bob Phillips - I take it that it is his first time, as I couldn't find anything else online about him? All in all good stuff.

I too saw this at the LIFF which was great fun to be part of. We too had a film that was being screened there. This film was on just after ours, so i decided to stick around and give it a go - supporting my fellow filmmakers and all that stuff, and I tell you that I wish i hadn't. These guys spent less money then me, but somehow achieved bigger production values and a named cast for the most part. probably to do with a slick story and good production management - these guys were on form and knew how to tell a story. Support them, as I will, when the film hits the shelves - as they're going to be big. I wish you guys all the best here!