Jack and Jill vs. the World

I saw this movie at a fund raising event in Providence, Rhode Island for Cystic Fibrosis. It was an amazing event and there was a huge audience response. I loved the movie - not only was it fun, but it had a wonderful message. I found myself questioning my own life according to the rules listed in Jill's manifesto. It made me wonder if I was truly making each day count. But the movie was also fun. The array of whimsicial characters compensated for the more serious underlying theme. A high point is the outrageous robot song by Lucy, played to the hilt by the director/writer. Finally a film that entertains while teaching a lesson!!

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie recently and was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I am a huge fan of Taryn Manning and she was as expected cute, delightful and slightly troubled, which is a good thing I think. The father left a bit of something to be desired in my opinion because he didn't seem to propel the story forward or add much to the dilemma or resolution of the story. However, that didn't derail my enjoyment of seeing it through to the end. Additionally, the film maker makes a few featured appearances that are hysterical. I expect to see more good things from this cast and crew. Overall this is a good, fun indie film.

I thought this movie had a fantastic story, but ended up being a bit bland. I think casting could have been a lot better. The girl who played Jill played a good role, but i don't think it was Jills 'character'. Also i think editing could have stopped it feeling so raw. some scenes seemed pointless. Last thing- I'm not a fan of the title. i don't know if its meant to be 'arthouse' or what, but i think here concise would have been better. maybe just manifesto or something. although i get what the director was getting at. The whole 'dont conform to the world' thing was consistent through the whole movie, with the manifesto, some of the dialogue, and the robot song scene

But overall i still found it enjoyable, and thought it was a great story.

I can't recommend this film at all or disagree with the previous review more.

From it's clumsy set up when Taryn Manning , looking too old for this sort of cutesy role, wanders onto the roof of Freddie Prinzes Jr.'s office building. She's clutching a subway map and asking for directions. He seems bizarrely charmed by someone who appears, to the rest of us, to be a mental patient.

Then , in a sequence we don't see, she gives him her resume and headshots and explains she's in New York to act and model. That's right in a scene we DON'T see.

So, we cut from the roof meeting to Freddie recommending her for a topless modelling job. Hey, now and the what now ??? She accepts no questions asked. Then he supports her in a friendly ,kind way during the shoot. Even though she's just wearing bikini bottoms, she seems completely happy with it.

Isn't that what mother's warn daughters would happen if they trust strange men in the big city ? This film also has the worst first kiss moment, neither romantic or sexy , expected or wanted. Freddie and Taryn have less chemistry than an organic fruit farm. Although Mr.Prinze can be happy with his first real grown up role, he's a convincing fleshed out adult man now and this performance will see him get much better roles.

Contrary to the previous review, this film really embraces many Hollywood clichés, the terminally ill heroine , the 'set in his ways' businessman realising there's a freer way to live, the 'falling in love' montage, the colleague who keeps fixing up Freddie with unsuitable women ! The kooky girl who just wants the whole world to have fun !! On and on..

Taryn keeps saying ' I love New York' , but as this film was made in Toronto you barely see it. There's only enough cash for stock footage ?

This film takes the idea of 'Dharma and Greg' removes the jokes and stretches it to 90 minutes This film is neither 'romantic' or a 'comedy'.

And finally I checked all the people who have left comments, the negative/accurate ones come from people who've made other comments on other films both good and bad.

Whereas the positive ones are all submitted by people who have only every made one comment [ this one] and it's a RAVE ! They also go out of the way to praise the director. This isn't Kubrick or Spielberg,it's just an underpowered chick-flick. I can only presume it's family and friends.

I would recommend this movie. My only critique is that the character development in the beginning is weak, as there is considerable reliance on a narrator. Notwithstanding that, Freddie Prinze, Taryn Manning and Vanessa Parise all compliment each other and the story begins to take hold and gain momentum after the first 30 minutes. The film also brings awareness to cystic fibrosis and has more substance than a typical romantic comedy. There are definitely scenes that will make you laugh and make you cry - some of the best parts of the story line are when the writers very deliberately avoid Hollywood clichés. There is a truth to the characters mannerisms, habits and reactions which set the movie apart from other romantic comedy's. Overall, the movie is positive and hopeful, which is a welcome change of pace.