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!

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.

Been watching the Tom Selleck/Jesse Stone detective shows and I recently ran across some reviews of Jack Irish. So I picked up the 2 flicks and watched the 1st movie a couple of days ago.

The acting was solid. The dialogue was engaging. The story was intriguing. The cast of characters had quirkiness, depth & believability and it was action packed and includes a topless female reporter!!

The accents & colloquialisms & fast moving plot had me pausing a few times to reflect on what was going on. I should pick up on the Ozzie talk after I watch a few more.

I liked the 1st Jesse Stone movie a fraction better than the 1st Jack Irish movie, BUT the 1st Jack Irish movie is better than some of the Jesse Stone sequels.

Jack Irish is definitely worth watching!!!

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.

I saw a bit of this years ago.

I stumbled over the dvd set and pounced upon it.

It is sort of detective series set in Australia.

The lead is an ex lawyer who is now a private eye.

I am not Australian and I am sure I miss a lot of the references but despite this I really rate this drama.

Guy Pearce is the lead actor but the rest of the cast is good if unknown to non Australians.

I am praising the 3 tv films starring Pearce,I understand that there was later a tv series with a different lead.

The series might be great but I have not seen it.

I give no plot spoilers but the stories give a compelling view of the underside of Australian society.