Jacked (2001) Reviews

• OK acting, poor story

  schoie_892005-10-08

  The main problem with 'Jacked Up' is the incredibly unrealistic storyline. A boy 'accidentally' shoots a cop while stealing his car. The same boy, with a typically bad conscience, believes he should get to know the cop's family. The whole cast look older than the characters they portray are. For example Dre looks in his twenties when he has only just finished high school. It's small errors like this that are 'Jacked Up's' downfall. Another problem is the acting of the 'gangsters' in the story, their is know real evil in the characters. This makes some of the characters less believable. Other than these minor mistakes, 'Jacked Up' is an enjoyable film. A advise it to any viewer who can buy a copy from under £10. 8/10

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• Good, could have been better.

  SimplyirreBraggisible2004-08-27

  I've always been a fan of these low-budget, direct-to-video, B-movies. Independent films, such as this one, are usually a nice break from the shallow crap Hollywood churns out each year. However, the production quality is usually on par with a sleazy porno flick. But I was none-the-less shocked when I caught 2001's "Jacked" on Black Starz last night. Watching it, I knew not to take it seriously. A gang-banger kills a policeman by accident. He returns to make nice with the family of the cop, and eventually falls for the daughter. All while being pursued by his murderous, Coke-addicted friends. The truth is that they have a really interesting plot, which unfortunately isn't as polished as the characters. From the on-set, you get the immediate vibe that the entire film was rushed, and this shows in some of the editing and in the Broadway-like camera style -- that takes place mostly in a suburban house of the Barnes' family. But this is excused because it gives a truly realistic mood to an insane story. And, as I chuckled after viewing it, some of the gunshots by Zach(Bizzy Bone) are unintentionally hilarious. To be honest, his character as the villain is by far the one thing which brings parts of the story downhill, yet gives some humor for B-movie appeal. Watching him on camera (where he is high 90% of the time, and then pointlessly shooting thugs for the rest) gives you the distinctive image of Drexl Spivey from True Romance. And the end fate for his character seems choppy at best; could have been way more climactic, or at least had made more sense. Now, for the good points, I was honestly surprised by Alexis Fields in this movie. Coming fresh from her years as a child-actor, she truly has great acting range, and holds the crazy gangster storyline in touch with the tragic love story, which is the focal-point. And her portrayal is the single memorable thing left in my mind the next day. Not many actors can both make a viewer feel sympathy and want for her to never find out the truth of her father's murder. Needless to say, I knew there would be extreme tearing from her in the ending. The mother offers a solid supporting role from "Friday" actress Anna Maria Horsfield, as the hooker/mom. While the brother is just dead weight in what is a neglected role. Also, I liked RonReaco Lee as the lead character, Dre. While you can see he is intimidated with some of the dramatics, he still gives a delicate character moral's, which make you feel emotion for his conflict in the sad ending. But the best element here is third-time director Timothy Wayne Folsome -- who takes a Film Noir film, and weaves in some inventive camera shots and semi-predictable, but effective plot twists. He is someone that could very well create a future masterpiece if given proper filming time, and a reasonable budget. Overall, good movie. But just doesn't live up to what it could have with some plot changes, and a more polished script. Still, worth watching on a bored afternoon. ***/*****

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• Brought tears to my eyes towards the end...

  ntwrkguy20002002-06-11

  Wow, this is a must see for anyone. For what it was, it was a VERY good movie to see. Brings twists and turns, no way you can get lost in the plot. It really moved me personally. All of the actors did a superb job playing their parts! Bravo!

• Great Acting, bad plot.

  tiffybopj2001-10-29

  This movie could have been good, but, it had a horrible plot! As you can read from the description, you know what happens, but seeing it is even more heart-wrenching! The way things went about progressing throughout the movie, just worsened the plot! It was, however, refreshing seeing so many singers (2 of the guys from Next) and Bizzy Bone in well-scripted roles. Their roles fit them perfectly. As a matter of fact, everyone's roles fit them, the story just shouldn't have been how it was. If this movie ever goes to the theaters, they'll have to make alot of changes. But, from the viewing I attended, I'm pretty sure it will go straight to video or BET. No matter the case, I would recommend watching it, because it was funny, although in places it shouldn't have been funny. And it'll have you talking about it, whether good or bad!

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• What a pleasant surprise!

  josef-12002-07-31

  When I rented this film, I did so on a whim, also because I knew a lot about the production from talking to many of the people who worked both on and off camera. I didn't expect much. In fact, I expected it to be bad. I was happily mistaken. This is one of the best modern tragedies I've seen in a long time. The fact that it wasn't a totally happy ending and that the main character paid for his crimes, even after trying to make everything right was poignant and well said. I'd hire Tim Folsolme to direct any day. The production value was very good and editing imaginative. The fact that they pulled this entire producion off with about 20 shooting days really testifies to the talent of the director, cast and crew. Bravo to picture me rolling productions and the best wishes to Tim Folsome - I can't wait to see your next movie.

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