Jasper

It's one of those times when a request comes in for an indie film review and I don't know what I'm in for, but Jasper thankfully came in above expectation as far as quality independent film goes, and despite it being the first that I've watched from the multi-hyphenated performer Nathan Hill, his Jasper is pure entertainment, being sharp and comedic to take you through possibly the final adventure of Jasper Clay the private investigator.

Produced, written, directed and starring Nathan Hill in the title role, experience has taught me that having one single guy helm that many aspects of an independent production will spell trouble, especially when one isn't adept at doing it all themselves, but thankfully Hill has proved me wrong. He had crafted what may seem like a typical, suave private investigator with Jasper Clay, but alas this guy has more troubles than he can solve, often finding himself one step back from the plot, and often getting into situations that are both hilarious, sexy and deadly all at the same time. Such, is the appeal of the hero, who doesn't pack a punch, but a paunch instead (which never fails to get highlighted!)

On the brink of retirement, he gets pulled back to the business with one final case with Courtney (Sandy Greenwood) employing his services to seek out her missing toddler son, and before you know it, she drops her clothes, some bad guys come barging in just as Jasper thinks he's gonna get lucky, and this for some karmic reason, gets repeated in almost every situation he gets into as he gets hot then cold on both her trail, and that of her son's. He's quite the ladies man, and for the viewer, this is something I'm definitely not complaining about.

Which in a way how the narrative worked reminded me of the computer game known as Leisure Suit Larry from a long time ago, although of course in this story the protagonist doesn't begin with getting laid the objective in mind, it's just that everything falls in his path, and the ladies finding him irresistibly sexy that begs the comedy to come. As a private eye Jasper does get quite clueless as to his situational awareness, getting beaten and blindsided far more times than one would be comfortable with. And this works in a way, preventing the creation of a super detective impervious to pain and failings, making him a little bit more human.

And the myriad of characters don't come any more varied than those created by Hill, although there were times when scenes get dragged for far longer than welcome, such as the scene in a boxing ring which just went on, if not to have an extended fight sequence that didn't have much significance save for a recurring character in the final act. The plot actually doesn't reveal itself until the final moments, being kept under wraps as you wonder why Jasper would be so dogged in his pursuit for a client when he well, hasn't gotten into a contract, nor paid upfront a certain percentage for his services. Action is pretty rare, and the scene with the two motorcycles would have been something if not for the anti-climatic end to it, as Jasper's packing a licensed (he makes it a point more than once) pistol that to the many of the goons here fail to realize or rid him of, and probably in the spirit of non-fatalities, didn't find him that big a threat to permanently take out from the equation.

Still, Jasper the film as far as an independent production goes, probably fueled by Red Bull's product placement, is as entertaining as it can get without any pretense of being anything more. It ends with a cliffhanger, though it's anyone's guess if Nathan Hill has a ready sequel up his sleeves.

This movie has been described as the new Alvin Purple for the simple reason that the main character has the ability to pick up scores of beautiful women and the audience never knows exactly why. Sure Jasper is a handsome devil but not the sort women would literally throw themselves at. This being said the female characters in this film are sleazy, prostitutes and quite desperate, all keeping in line with the narrative of course. I also found that the quality of women did climb the hill as the film progressed (excuse the pun), so that by the end of the movie his true love did in fact feel and look like the winner he was chasing. The movie was pitched as an action comedy and a thriller, however I found it to be more of a tortured love story/drama. It was much slower in pace than Hill's previous work, but falls short in overall running time I believe. Maybe someone should get onto publishing a Jasper calendar because there sure is enough women in the film to fill a whole 12 months.

Gloves are off.

Private detective, Jasper Clay, takes on one last case before retirement.

For those who haven't had much or any experience with a Nathan Hill movie, you need to understand one thing from the very start - you're not meant to take them seriously.

Jasper is a great mix of action, comedy and romance, that pay homeage to America films of the 80s and 90s playing late night on Channel Nine. Its actually refreshing to see Australia producing something different than an unfunny comedy or drama that no one ends up talking about.

You know what you are getting when you watch a Nathan Hill movie, they may not be for everyone but they never pretend something they're not.

You will always have fun with a Nathan Hill movie.

Vastly more entertaining than other superficially similar low budget actioners, Jasper has a unique charm only replicated in Hill's other epics.

If you read the script you'd see that In the wrong hands this could have been a trashy forgettable little film, but Hill has somehow steered it to become the cult classic it is. It's really hard to put your finger on how he did it but his performance as the show as the eponymous lothario certainly doesn't do it any harm. Perhaps it's that it takes itself just seriously enough to make you wonder if the stupefying plot and insane dialog was intentionally this funny.

Everyone thinks they have a good sense of humour, but if you find yourself not enjoying Jasper, you probably don't.

Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic "Jasper" world, where a private eye is more of a private mess! Nathan Hill (who wears all the hats in his films) plays "Jasper," a detective ready to retire because what better way to wrap things up than with one last whirlwind case? Apparently, the time is now.

At 1 hour and 15 minutes, I found the movie an amusing blend of action, comedy, and romance. Imagine a mix of the classic IBM game "Leisure Suit Larry" and a detective story that embraces its silliness.

True to form, "Jasper" is purposely depicted as a pot-bellied anti-hero, offering a comedic viewpoint for the everyday man who dreams of getting caught up in strange, unusual, and rather steamy situations. Yup! It's all here, folks.

"Jasper" might not win any Oscars, but that's part of its charm. Nathan Hill is on form, making the film fun to watch.

Rating: 8/10.