Jack Irish: Bad Debts

Rarely do I feel compelled to share my thoughts on a movie to other movie fans. A movie has got to be either really bad or exceptionally good. In the case of Jack Irish: Bad Debts, I am pleased to say that it falls into the exceptionally good category.

First up I compliment the previous two reviewers, whose views I share, and who have thoroughly set out some of the merits of this production.

This movie is outstanding in virtually every aspect. The actors are great. Guy Pearce is brilliant, as are all the other actors. No wonder, as they are all extremely experienced and each one manages to bring that little bit of extra depth, right from all the leads even down to the very minor roles.

The script is great; even though the story goes through quite a few twists and turns, it was entirely believable and had me hooked in.

The direction and technical side of things are first class.

For Melbournians, there is that little bit of extra joy hidden into so many parts of the film, but these traits also add a nice background and feel to the movie, which international viewers will also enjoy equally as well.

One of the best movies I have seen this year, either in theaters or on television. If you love a good yarn, don't miss catching up with this one. I give it 10 out of 10!

Let me first say I am not Australian, The island I originate from is on a slightly smaller scale, the Isle of Man!

I have read all the Peter Temple books excepting 'White Dog', which I have been unable to get anywhere and was delighted to see that a couple of Jack Irish novels have been transferred to the screen and although I started viewing with trepidation it was soon dispersed as the storyline was spot-on and the acting by all was superb.

The characters are portrayed exactly as I imagined as are the various locations are not far off either, especially the pub!

Let us hope that more of the novels are transposed to the screen with the same exemplary skill of all concerned.

Now I am off to feast on 'Black Tide'.

A terrific and engaging mystery series from Australia that has a tremendous amount of style, suspense, dark humor and action. A full-on and extremely exciting Australian noir. A stunning and mesmerizing crime-drama. Guy Pearce creates one of his best characters ever in one of his most exciting performances. A thrilling piece of television. It's the real deal; great storytelling and great acting. Guy Pearce brings the late great Peter Temple's down at the heel gumshoe to life. I'll admit, when I first saw Pearce cast as Jack Irish I didn't buy it. But Pearce makes the character his own. Backed by a superb Aussie cast (special mention goes to Aaron Pedersen as the charismatic Cam) witty dialogue and some great Melbourne scenery, it's a must watch for anyone who likes stylish noir, well told.

Guy Pearce works beautifully with his large and superb supporting cast in Jack Irish while very much being the laid- back centre of the show. It a truly collaborative effort in terms of performances and the script allows for this by sharing around some fabulous dialogue and one-liners. Marta Dusseldorp seems just right as Linda, smart, determined but vulnerable too.

The direction is sharp and thoughtful, the design for locations and sense of place is outstanding, plus the pacing, which I would have thought would have driven the script writers up the wall in condensing from the labyrinth plots of the novel, just hums along.

Special shout-out to Roy Billing (Harry) and the wonderful Aaron Pedersen (Cam) as Jack's racing skallywag mates: the three of them operate seemingly effortlessly together in this first outing for Jack Irish, very believable. And they keep to that high level in all the subsequent episodes.

I watched this without being aware that it is based on a book. However, I an a fan of Guy Pearce and he played this role with his usual proficiency. The story and plot were solid and engaging, and the faint touches of humour gave a well-rounded polish to a low budget title which holds its own very well.

The usual elements of a good thriller plot are there. The pub scenes were probably the best and certainly produced the most chuckles.

If there was any complaint, it would probably be that Guy Pearce was too good looking for this role, and I felt that someone moodier and beefier might have done it more justice.