King Jack (2015) User Reviews

Stellar indie-drama

[Seth_Rogue_One · 8/10 · 26 May 2016]

A well acted drama about life in a American small-town for a teenage boy outcast.

What I like is that it holds nothing back, the characters feel very much real and the dialog is explicit and the darker themes are portrayed as ugly as they are in real life.

So although it is a movie about kids, it's not necessarily FOR kids. In fact some scenes are rather disturbing and of adult matter so one could argue the complete opposite.

The style of the movie is a bit reminiscent of David Gordon Green's indie-dramas and it will be interesting to see what the director Felix Thompson will do next, hopefully this movie will be his big break, it's certainly worthy of attention.

Good soundtrack as well.

Well made and authentic

[wilkinsonalan · 8/10 · 1 July 2016]

I understand that this is the Director's first outing. I feel the movie is impeccable. It is empathetic and authentic. In the majority of movies, there is a protagonist that you fundamentally like. It takes the entire movie to get to this point and is comparatively brave in this regard.

Whilst it pulls few punches, it is sensitively undertaken and I feel it could be watched by a comparatively young audience.

If you have never been bullied, you are extremely fortunate. If you are being bullied - you need to discover a strategy that works for you that counters that desolate feeling of victimisation.

A small. well-crafted, well-acted, well-photographed movie. A fabulous first outing for the Director.

Well made but kinda frustrating ***NO SPOILERS**

[Dextronix · 6/10 · 26 November 2017]

This is best described as a 'coming of age' film I'd say. Whatever that really means. Ever notice that these films, if artily shot and well acted can get away with a lot?

This is in that category. What does it get away with? Well, a lead character who I think you're supposed to root for who really isn't all that likable. If you're not really meant to root for him the film is just a short glimpse of his life that doesn't really mean a great deal or lead anywhere. It's just a series of crappy events that he lives through for a few days.

Hazy summer shots skillfully photographed and easy on the ear melancholy songs help glide you along. But for me at the end I'm just wondering, well, why? Is there a point? No? Well at least it looked pretty.

You may as well watch 'Mud' for a masterful example in this genre

One Trick Pony or ... NOT?

[bboyminn · 25 September 2016]

This movie features the kid (Charlie Plummer) from "Granite Flats" (TV Series), where he did a brilliant job as a nerdy very polite kid. - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2624370/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_6

But, as fantastic as he was in Granite Flats, I couldn't help but wonder if this kid was a One Trick Pony. That is, is the nerdy kid all he can play.

After watching "King Jack", I can assure you this kid is NO One Trick Pony. His performance in King Jack was brilliant. I expect very good things from him in the future.

The movie itself, which I found very enjoyable, was short of perfect. But I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves Indie Film.

A dark story about a kid trapped in poverty, in a less than desirable neighborhood, with a family which I will generously describe as dysfunction, and his struggle to simply endure.

Charlie Plummer is an actor to keep an eye on as I expect very good things for him in the future.

Grittier and Less Profound than Expected

[penguinjuggler · 6/10 · 2 January 2017]

Acting was good, soundtrack was good (though at times more uplifting than the moment deserved), tone was good, but overall it was too gritty for what it was, and there wasn't enough character growth or reason for the character growth. I don't know, maybe that's just the way "slice-of-life" movies tend to be. But it seemed possibly too overtly brutal - my dad watching it with me just walked away half way through when it became clear this was going to be just a lot of violent bullying, uncomfortable teen coed angst/drinking/fighting/smoking etc.

Overall I respect the movie - it was well done and I'll tell people about it, but I'm not about to full-heartedly recommend it or watch it again.

Nightmare in Hell Town

[cekadah · 7/10 · 13 June 2016]

This little flick has 'indie' written all over it and I am a big fan of indie movie makers. These films are usually superior in content, substance, and acting when compared to the big budget movies. Well not all indie flicks, but the movies made by directors who love the craft. With that said, my opinion of 'King Jack' comes up a bit short.

The plot revolves around Jack and his visiting cousin Ben. Both are tweens and are unpopular in school and Jack has an attitude. The setting is a lower middle class worker neighborhood with a mix of ethnic people. There are three older boys that bully Jack and Ben. The plot becomes predictable with the conflict between Jack and the bully's and Jacks interest in two young girls. Ben is along for the ride through no effort of his own and he suffers the wrath of the three bully's. By movies end both Jack and Ben have been pretty well beaten up by the bully's. Life in hell town is rough and unforgiving but both boys perceive and learn a tough lesson about loyalty, family, and friendship.

This little movie is adequate in it's craft, well photographed, and edited. But the story is old and has been done more than once. If you want to watch some very good young actors as believable characters this is a fine choice. But as it unfolds you'll be able to see what's about to happen next.

Brutal, damnable and inexcusable. A story about bullying and the struggle for survival of a young boy.

[peterp-450-298716 · 7/10 · 5 November 2016]

"You know why people call me Scab? Tom started it. When I was little. My dad had this nickname for me. He used to call me King Jack. Tom didn't like it."

"King Jack" isn't exactly a happy movie. It's rather depressing. And at the same time you'll witness in this social drama how unwritten laws are maintained between raging young people who are living in slums and at the same time are eager to kick each others butt. For those who have been a victim of bullying and experienced an embarrassing moment (posting a not so kosher photo on social media for example) will certainly sympathize with Jack's (Charlie Plummer) situation. An unhinged teenager who undergoes daily harassment's of an older boy named Shane (Danny Flaherty). Shane himself once was the same kind of misfit who suffered from the harassment of Jack's brother Tom (Christian Madsen). So, you could say it's sort of a delayed revenge.

The film is a snapshot in Jack's life. The film covers just a single day and shows in this short period of time how Jack's seemingly meaningless existence is turned upside down. And this because of the arrival of Jack's nephew Ben (Cory Nichols). An introvert, chubby kid whose father dumped him there, because apparently an accident happened to his mother (probably in a mental way when you take Jack's remark "Sorry your mum went crazy" into account). The attitude of Ben towards Jack is correspondingly. The result is passive behavior between the two estranged relatives and Ben clearly showing that he isn't so pleased with the whole situation. However, as the two hang out more, the hostile atmosphere (with Jack clarifying his strict rules and making it clear that Ben should simply shut up the whole time) makes room for a cautious but pleasant boyish friendship. Two teenagers who are talking about their favorite superhero and who are playing baseball. A friendly atmosphere which is eventually disturbed by a confrontation with Shane. And ultimately this leads to an extremely violent denouement.

"King Jack" is a typical coming-of-age film mixed with a tale about the growing-pains of teenagers in an aggressive and poor neighborhood. Expect some timid attempts from Jack trying to deal with peers of the opposite sex. But especially Shane's blatant bullying and Jack's rebellious answer to that (including painting a dirty word on the garage at Shane's home) is the central topic in this film. It doesn't really have an impressive plot but it's supported by a strong and capable cast. On the one hand Plummer as Jack who's both selfish and combative at the same time. And he does that brilliantly. A superb achievement with Plummer applying both toughness and vulnerability perfectly. But especially Flaherty impressed me. From the first moment he came in the picture, a feeling of dislike for this individual arose inside me. Shane is a first class asshole and a sadistic coward. He's really such a creep I would love to kick in the crotch with a heavy boot. And the moment he's defeated by someone of the same caliber, and he's begging like a scared, pathetic loser, I couldn't avoid to gloat. "King Jack" is a dark and touching melodrama. Worth a look anyway.

More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT

Electric Look at a Young Boy's life in a rough perspective!

[TomShortell · 9/10 · 21 May 2015]

I attended Tribeca Film Festival 2015 to screen 'King Jack', this was followed by a QNA with director Felix Thompson along with the cast and crew.

I had only read a brief summary for this film before viewing as I wanted to be spontaneous. From start till finish it really kept my mouth open. King Jack is played by Charlie Plummer, the story follows a boy growing up in a suburban area. Normally day consists of neglect and bullying. Due to his aunt becoming sick, his cousin Ben played by Cory Nichols has to stay with Jack and his family and this is the last thing that Jack needs right now. With problems already occurring in Jack's life, his cousin gets involved with Jack as he deals with his reality.

This movie beautifully analyses the use of friendship and finding that point were you have a real emotion towards someone. Turning that mood where you have no feelings to one that allow you to open up. This perfectly describes a young boy's childhood in these kind of circumstances.

As a directorial debut Felix Thompson completely won me over with a rather funny first shot involved with a garage until the beautiful ending that concluded a magnificent film that I will most certainly catch again.

Stand up and fight back like a king!

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 4 December 2016]

Like everyone who saw it said a surprise film from a debutant writer, director. It is a powerful title, but the film was different. Like it focused to tell the story of a teenager named Jack who is regularly picked to bully by some older guys from the school. The film opened with a payback act by Jack, but soon they get him back. This time it gets more serious than ever, and how it ends comes in the latter half of the film.

This is a short film and a good screenplay too. Initially I did not like much, it looked like another same old themed teen film. But the second half of the film completely changed, especially about bullying and how others see it, apart from the victim and offender. An awareness film, though the end drawn as what a cinematic storytelling required than the social message.

The kids did well, particularly Jack, Ben and a few others. There's no obscene materials, but in a sequence it gets bold like how normal teenagers are obsessed with those stuffs. That does not mean it is bad for them to watch. It is a much better film on this theme, and gets better while progressing narration. It is one of the under noticed good film of the year. It's not a must see, yet worth giving it a try.

7/10

I didn't think I'd like it, and I was right. I *LOVED* it. Not bad at all.

[darian-caplinger · 10/10 · 14 August 2016]

Jack has had a hard life. He lost a father who adored him (offscreen), and finds himself the victim of a bully who himself used to be the whipping boy of Jack's older brother Tom. Jack's mother has a sister with of psychiatric problems, and it's inferred she attempted to commit suicide, and the husband of the sister calls to see if Jack's family can care for Jack's 12 year-old cousin, Ben.

At first, Jack is pretty cold towards Ben, but they soon warm to each other and even manage to have a little fun before the bully interferes. What comes after is a pretty decent flick with an ending that will leave a smile on your face.

A perfect film about about coming not just of age but of mind.

[goaheadslicedbread · 10/10 · 24 July 2016]

36 minutes in and King Jack is one of those movies that encapsulates youth so well that you feel like you just entered a time machine. It's so much more real and stressful than I actually remember it, but it's true. It's a movie that I hope never ends. It's this transporting nature of cinema that makes me obsessed. Movie magic isn't making the old look young or explosions with cgi robots, it's the way a movie can make you remember and forget at the same time. A gateway to what is real and universal about the human experience.

After the film finished I couldn't help but thinking that the acting, cinematography, the editing, pacing, and music were all in perfect harmony. The movie guides you through itself with such ease you forget you're being lead. So often films like this romanticize the aimlessness and chaos of youth. But everything was in it's place. A history of violence shown without exposition. You learn the characters not just by how they act or how they are talked about but how you can see the reverberations of their actions in the film's world.

I eagerly await the next project of those who were involved with this film's creation.

didn't like ending

[coflorida · 5/10 · 29 May 2020]

If it wasn't for the flip phones I'd swear the time setting was in 1970's or something. I found it hard to believe those guys went way beyond "typical bully" stuff kidnapping and torturing a 12 year old then almost killing Jack in front lawn surrounded by a crowd of party kids... and nothing was done... No criminal charges filed.

and the mother didn't even TRY... forcing the truth about the beating out of him

Really sensitive and effective

[Red_Identity · 24 July 2016]

This is definitely another one of those realistic, quiet independent dramas that surfaces around. Just like many of those dramas, this one is really good. The actors at the core are really effective at bringing to life their characters and succeed at not making them walking stereotypes. It helps that they have a really good script to work with, one that doesn't gloss over many of the issues that plague childhood but also a director who is very aware of these problems and just how the cycle of bullying can continue on, and where it may originate from. Really good film, definitely recommended for many of those fans who already seek out films like this

simple. and beautiful.

[aminabintihafiz · 10/10 · 14 November 2018]

Such an underrated movie. charlie plummer is a gem.. watch him and you'll know. this movie is raw and beautiful.. the friendship between the two main characters is so realistic and will leave you with a light of happiness once you get into the movie and start feeling the way the characters are feeling. this movie may not be for everyone, because of its simplicity, but those who enjoy watching life of a character very closely, will definitely love this movie.

It was Excellent

[shresthamrigen34343 · 9/10 · 3 September 2018]

I saw this movie in 2018 , and i didnot thought this would be so Provocative, tempting and Inviting, and it was. You wouldnot blink your eyes for the whole hour or 2. Give it a try its about Bullying, Courage and the Young life of a Teenage Boy...

A Indie Film to Remember

[oliviagd15 · 10/10 · 9 October 2016]

A simple movie with a simple story, the reason why it works so incredibly well is the film understands what it is and uses it to the best it can be, and that is very good. The film is lead by an outstanding (and I mean outstanding) by Charlie Plummer who plays the title role Jack. The other actors Cory Nichols, Christian Madsen and Danny Flaherty are also very compelling in their roles. Written and directed very well by Felix Thompson, it explores the brutal ways of a young boy going through bullying, family troubles and having to deal with discovering who he is also with trying to take care of his younger. A surprisingly gritty movie that shows the real trouble that neglect and misunderstanding can do to young people and it captured wonderfully by Thompson and Plummer. The movie also shows that kids can be really cruel and their are a view scenes that are very sad and painful to watch that hit you right in the heart. A truly amazing film and definitely a gem of an indie film.

Nothing to redeem it

[ekeby · 3/10 · 15 November 2016]

I went into this expecting something really good from the high Netflix rating. What a disappointment. This might be a realistic-looking slice of life, but we don't experience much that is truly original or valuable. It's kid-on-kid violence (emotional and physical) and not much more.

Life can be brutal but I don't particularly want to watch it, unless, of course, it's great art. The Japanese masterpiece The Human Condition (Ningen el Joken) is a trilogy of films that depicts the worst aspects of human brutality, but you can take it because you are also aware that you're experiencing something profound. With King Jack I watched a kid get bullied and then finally learn to "take it like a man." It's trite and frankly a little disgusting.

The film wants to impart a message of some kind. I think the scene at the very end is supposed to be seen as a happy ending. We're to believe Jack has evolved emotionally and overcome--or started to overcome--unbelievable obstacles in his life. It feels flimsy and tacked on and I didn't buy it.

I understand why many people liked this film. It has a seductive quality, the actors are good, and the action looks real. And it's pitched as an art movie. But it isn't a good one. If you were sucker punched into liking this movie, I can only suggest you expand your cinematic horizons to find out how much you've been missing.

Top Marks For Realism

[iNickR · 16 January 2018]

In Short: This is a gritty portrayal of the life of the "kid no one likes". We all knew someone like that in school. Like it or not, this is what the youth of today are like. The backstabbing, the violence, the pure hatred of rivals. It's real.

To survive adolescence nowadays, in an environment similar to Jack's, it's akin to going to war everyday. The methods of the bully may have changed over time, but the point of the bully remains the same: to scare and intimidate the bullied into submission.

Two things you may LIKE about "King Jack":

+ The acting; not just with script delivery but expressive emotions; to make this story really work, an actor needs to expose a part of them they may not like; kudos to Charlie Plummer (Jack) and Danny Flaherty (Shane). + The script; written and directed by Felix Thompson; if you were a bully or the bullied, this will trigger something in you.

Two things you may NOT LIKE about "King Jack":

+ The script; (see above) + The violence and aggression; it may be a little overboard and hard to believe at times.

very good acting

[ops-52535 · 8/10 · 9 April 2020]

Its a film that brings back childhood memories, especially the cousin that seems to be a spittin image of miself when i was 12.

its a film about bullying in a poor neighbourhood somewhere in america. the bullied aint a saint either but the difference in size and cruelty are nervewrecking and makes you feel sick of anger when watching. i have seen films with a more tragic outcome , so i was happy i did not have to go through that cycle again when the film reached the end

its a well made film, a movie not for small kids without adult supervision, and also a headbanger for parents of today. extremely good teenage acting are the milestone, even though a bit short on the background story , why the cousin need to stay and why the bullying at all started in the first place, but shows the dynamics of the ''game ''very well.

its a film that make the grumpy old man, well... grumpy and if i had that bat i would have bet him even more. its a good film, perfect playtime, and a recommend

King Jack

[bethponniah · 8/10 · 30 April 2019]

Tells a monumental shift in the protagonists character well. Uses a micro-time frame while still explaining its setting in the macro- time frame of the protagonist's life. An enjoyable and realistic coming of age film with good character development.

Sweet and inspiring and true

[regolden · 10/10 · 6 January 2020]

This is one of the best movies I've seen and I watch a lot. Talented kids. True to life. Bullies abound and sooner or later ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Enjoy.

Unrealistic tripe

[Dying-Atheist · 5/10 · 25 April 2019]

A couple of good bits, but really just one of those movies that becomes more unreal as it goes along its typical, tiresome path.

Deprived kid, depressive surroundings, unrealistic characters, oh sure it happens, but give me a break. I know areas and neighborhood can be tough, been there done that. But you know what isn't real? People don't get beat up, and hours later, they are miraculously wandering around beating other people up.

At least TRY to make it real. It's not 1930, I have sen what a couple good punches to the face does to a guy. I know that being kicked the the ribs really hard, feels like, a couple of groans putting a shirt on, then off for a pleasant bike ride, doesn't happen.

I had family that grew up poor and in the projects, you have good people and a few really bad folks. None of the scenarios in this film work. Writers need to be able to tell a good story not just make everyone look like a criminal or a thug.

Well made gritty coming-of-age drama

[wrxsti54 · 8/10 · 27 May 2020]

King Jack is set against the backdrop of a bland working class Ohio city suburb starring a 15 year old boy grappling with adolescence after the death of his father with an uncaring older brother.

Jack (Charlie Plummer) must navigate all the usual teenage pitfalls with the ever present looming risk of attacks from older teen and neighborhood bully Shane (Danny Flaherty). After paint bombing Shane's garage with the giant C word, Shane gives Jack a beating that sparks a retaliatory beating from Jack's 20 something older brother Tom (Christian Madsen).

Jack is on the one hand tough and will fight hard when cornered, but is sensitive and becomes the subject of taunting after a texting exchange with a girl he has a crush on which begins with a harmless topless muscle pose but ends with her persuading Jack to text a naked lower body pic that is circulated and leads to widespread mocking. Into this neighborhood battle enters the 12 year cousin Ben (Cory Nichols) who Jack must mind but does so reluctantly as a typical 15 year old boy not wanting his street cred sullied by a child.

Shane exacts a terrible revenge enlisting the support of a girl Jack fancies who lures Jack with the promise of sex into an eventual epic beating done partially to protect Ben whom Jack had previously abandoned to Shane and his bullying friends.

Coming of age movies starring child actors the same age as their characters always have greater authenticity and Charlie Plummer adds to this with a strong and sensitive breakout performance navigating bullying, loss of parent, peer pressure, fumbling mid adolescent sexual encounters and trying to carve a niche in the sometimes brutal world of teens. This movie has a gritty realism with realistic plot lines, excellent acting and a dour location to match the mood.

Disgusting

[LoraceDem · 1/10 · 18 May 2016]

This film has nothing whatsoever to say about bullying, kidnapping, assault and battery committed against boys. It also has nothing to say about boys being shamed and mocked for their penis size, called homophobic slurs, being hit by their parents and older siblings, or the real traumatic, life-long consequences these events leave on the human psyche. It merely shows these things happening without consequences, while smirking in the process.

An opportunity to revel in white trash abusive parenting and the outdated "honor code" where if you are physically assaulted, it's wrongly implied that it's your fault because you were "weak" "not tough enough," and definitely not the fault of the violent scumbag who beat you up to satisfy his own ego, or the dozens of onlookers who did nothing to stop it.

It's also portrayed in the end as 'humorous' that the titular character refuses to report his attacker who nearly killed him to the police, thus ensuring that the cycle of bullying and violence will go on forever.

Truly, this is a film for people who don't bother to stop and examine the injustices, abusive relationships, and trauma they've experienced, but rather to mindlessly celebrate it, normalize it, and depict it as being o.k. A film made by a mind who is equally immature as the subjects he's filming.

Too many plot holes

[timbobsm · 2/10 · 22 November 2016]

SPOILER ALERTS: I will give the movie one bit of credit: The acting of the lead character is good. Other than that, the plot is not worth the time to watch. Not one character is this movie is believable, the mother is incompetent,(her son gets beat up so bad that he ends up in the hospital and she is OK that he doesn't want to talk about it); the older brother is a born loser; the bullies are sociopaths; the girls are foul-mouthed, dirty-minded ding bats; and the main character is a masochist. He defaces the bully's garage in daylight no less, and then gets beat up; he calls his tormentors foul names and gets beat up; he hits his tormentor with a rock and gets beat up; he texts a girl a picture of his privates and is surprised when she shares it with others. Then he turns coward when his smaller cousin gets abused. The description of the movie is the boy is bullied. No: he is assaulted, assaulted with a deadly weapon, the young boy is kidnapped with unlawful restraint and at no time does anyone call the police or file charges. These acts go way beyond bullying: these are felony acts that would put the tormentors away for a long time. And at the end we are suppose to believe that there is a small act of redemption. The only believable person in the whole movie is the small cousin and he has such a small role. Well if one wants to spend 80 minutes watching a kid get beat up, and hearing kids use the F bomb over and over. Be my guest. By the way, where in the heck are the parents of all these teenagers? Do they not exist?