Jack - 7 stars out of 10

Jack - 7 stars out of 10

At first, I was trying to figure out why such an awesome cast signed on for such an average movie. What begins as a display of typical childhood comedy about farts and dirty magazines turns into some very profound statements about childhood innocence, growing up, and the value of life. Robin Williams, at first seeming too over-the-top, is magnificent as his consistency in the childhood role will make you into a believer by the end. The first playground scene perfectly stereotypes that sad kid that just can't fit in at school. While the first hour is very goofy, the ending is incredibly heartfelt, accented by a whimsical, childlike score by Michael Kamen. There were 100 ways to end this movie the wrong way but the writers chose the one perfect ending. The cast brings this story to life - Diane Lane has never looked better, Bill Cosby was himself and yet a perfect fit as the tutor, J-Lo's emotional scene with Williams was a wonderful preparation for the second half of the film, and even Fran Drescher (whose voice typically sounds to me like nails on a chalkboard) was perfect. Externally, "Jack" appears to be a kids movie, but hidden deep within that childish exterior lies a poignant portrait of life's fleeting moments.