Janie Jones

This movie is about a down and out rock star who learns that he has a 13 year old daughter by a drug-addicted ex-groupie, whom, sadly, he doesn't remember. (The story has actually been done before in a terrible 1984 movie (the story line of which was suggested by 'Mick Jagger' (qv) entitled _Blame It on the Night (1984)_ (qv).) Fortunately, that's where the similarity ends as this is a much better film, with respect to both writing and acting. All performances are solid and credible and the viewer doesn't feel (at least as measured by the reaction of the audience at the Tribeca Film Festival) he wasted the price of admission. Ironically, the weakest part of the film is the music: the songs performed are so poor one wonders how the lead character could have become a rock sensation in the first place.

Janie Jones follows the story of a 13-year-old girl whose mother abandons her after taking her to meet her father for the first time. Her father is a fading rock-and-roll star who has no idea he has a daughter, let alone any intention of being a father to one. He is told if he doesn't take her, she will be placed in foster care. So Janie Jones is a film about Janie and her dad figuring out their life together.

I had never heard of this film before, but I must say while it's not a perfect film I really enjoyed it. The acting is excellent, and the situations the characters find themselves in are believable. Abigail Breslin stole the as Janie Jones. Brittany Snow also has a small part in this film as Iris. I really wish that she had a bigger part as I feel like that character( And Brittany's acting) could have really added to the overall film. However, I understand the movie was about a father losing everything and, in the process, finding out that his daughter is what really matters. So it makes sense that she isn't in it that much. With that said, I would highly recommend this movie if you need an emotional pick me up.

The lead character is excellent in this movie. I thought she was a very sweet young girl with a lovely singing voice too. They could have developed her character more, but then it probably would have overpowered the other characters in this ensemble movie. I liked it, even though it started out rather slow.

Like another reviewer, I too think there could be a good sequel set 'five years later'. Enjoyable, 'almost' family movie, not quite... too much pot smoking.

Elizabeth Shue must have had some money invested in this movie, because she didn't have a big part. It was almost like a 'pilot' for a TV series, actually. I loved it when the girl says she learned how to bail out her dad by watching "Dog the Bounty Hunter",

"I don't have a kid. I never even met this woman." Janie's (Breslin) mom (Shue) is having a rough time and is trying to get herself into rehab. She decides to finally introduce Janie to her rock star father (Nivola) in hopes that he will take care of her. When told of what would happen if he refuses, Ethan decides to take her. While on tour the band and Ethan's life begin to fall apart. I had pretty high expectations for this one because I really enjoyed "August Rush". While I like that the actors did their own singing this was not as good as "August Rush" was. I did really enjoy this movie though and highly recommend it but for those that have seen "August Rush" be prepared. The acting and story are very good but also extremely predictable, in most movies that hurts it, but this one still keeps you watching. If you like movies that are about music then this is a good one to check out. Overall, not as good as "August Rush" but still very much worth watching. I give it a B.

I saw this film for the first time in a little theater in Des Moines, Iowa called The Varsity. It is one of my favorite spots. I thought that it was only right that I see it in an Iowa theater since thats where it was shot. A lot of my friends had worked on this and I was excited to see it! Overall I thought that the story was pretty good. I really felt for abigail's character. She is always so great in everything she does. I also heard that she was a joy to be around, so that probably helped too! This films progression was done really well. The character development was awesome! The only thing I would change would be how quickly we get to the end. I wish that I could've been led a little longer. Anyways, great film. Proud to have it shot in Iowa!