This potentially heart-rending tale of one man's tragic loss and his attempt to go on with life is without the necessary emotional impact and dramatic power to really work. "Jack and Sarah" tries to encompass too many genres, swinging as it does from near satire to near pathos without warning, leaving the viewer more surprised than moved. Our writer/director Tim Sullivan appears to prepare us for an unorthodox comedy about starting a family, then hits us with a bombshell that causes the plot to make a complete about face. During the course of the film more about faces are incorporated (not blended) which serves only to tantalise, but not fulfil, the audience's emotions. Still, in this light it is something different - British of course - from the usual romantic-comedies being churned out these days.
Richard E. Grant slides comfortably into the role of the dad who doesn't seem to know when he's on a good thing. A most enjoyable turn from an agreeable actor. In support of him is the evergreen Judi Dench, as his sour old mum, and Imogen Stubbs, as his tragic wife. Samantha Mathis is the other completely disarming lead, playing the young American lass who takes an immediate shining to baby Sarah, and promptly signs up as Jack's nanny.
Certainly "Jack and Sarah" could have been an unforgettable, emotionally powerful drama. However the light, almost aloof manner that has been adopted here leaves a distinct British feel to this pic, but gives it no chance of becoming dramatically moving. Thankfully a change, yet falls short of its potential.
Saturday, February 3, 1996 - Astor Theatre
Richard E. Grant slides comfortably into the role of the dad who doesn't seem to know when he's on a good thing. A most enjoyable turn from an agreeable actor. In support of him is the evergreen Judi Dench, as his sour old mum, and Imogen Stubbs, as his tragic wife. Samantha Mathis is the other completely disarming lead, playing the young American lass who takes an immediate shining to baby Sarah, and promptly signs up as Jack's nanny.
Certainly "Jack and Sarah" could have been an unforgettable, emotionally powerful drama. However the light, almost aloof manner that has been adopted here leaves a distinct British feel to this pic, but gives it no chance of becoming dramatically moving. Thankfully a change, yet falls short of its potential.
Saturday, February 3, 1996 - Astor Theatre