Jack & Sarah

I knew little about Jack and Sarah the first time I saw it-it did little or no business in the theatres. In fact, my reason to choose it was based solely on Samantha Mathis being in it. When I see her on the screen, I get a nice, warm glow. Samantha Mathis is a doll, as she is in this film.

But pleasantly, surprisingly, the film itself is a little doll as well..

I didn't know I'd also be getting Dame Judi Dench, and Ian McEllen (in a wonderful performance), but there they were, no extra charge.

The theme of the film stumbles once and awhile through some very difficult territory-young urban exec loses his wife during childbirth and is forced to reexamine his life, and rediscover the meaning of love through this beautiful little girl. And the help of an assortment of well-meaning misfits, of course.

Richard E Grant does a marvelous job as Jack, who recreates himself, and betters himself, against all odds.

A sweet little movie worth seeing.

This movie start getting promos about the same time as French Kiss but was held back for release in my area of the world presumably because of the Ryan/Klein comedy which local powers felt would steal its audience. Some half year later I was invited to a preview showing. Most of the audience were little old ladies from 30 on upwards - not that the audience was consistently old, but it definitely had that kind of feeling. The experience was also unique in that the movie got a standing ovation at the end. It's just a comedy, but it's more than that too: It's a very heart-warming comedy, and to my way of thinking is all that the British 'Jurassic Park' (Four Weddings and a Funeral) was supposed to be - very British, but a lot better view. Critics say it's Grant which provides the surprise element, as he never reveals what is coming next, but there are a lot of cute plot twists here as well - not in the least the final closing titles scene.

There are several reasons why I wanted to see Jack & Sarah, and a couple of them are to do with one or two of the cast members. I am a huge fan of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and when I saw they were going to be in the same film together, I thought to myself this movie is going to be good! Overall, I was not disappointed. Some parts are slow, but the acting more than made up for it. Tim Sullivan's direction ensured that the film didn't get too sentimental, though some of it is very sweet and poignant, and the script is honest and touching. Jack & Sarah is very nice to look at too, the cinematography and scenery are both lovely, and the music is very warm and inviting. But the real delight is the acting; Richard E.Grant is very good as the high-flying lawyer/bumbling father figure, while Samantha Mathis is appealing as the nanny who falls for her employer. However, Ian McKellen as the tramp-cum-butler in a class of his own and Judi Dench as Margaret are the ones who steal the show, while Eileen Atkins gives terrific support. Overall, very nice and charming film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This is an excellent romance novel come to life... almost as though it's an adaptation. It could very well be. I've seen many films about babies and parenting, but this one is truly unique in its scope.

You'll coo, or at the very least smile, as he gently comforts and kisses the baby... you'll laugh at the comedic elements, and feel the same intensity of emotion in pain and sympathy. The performances are truly outstanding.

To think that I bought this movie because the premise sounded good, and left it sitting around for months, only to watch it last night with my partner and be blown away.

Don't pass this off as a chick flick, either. I think it's also meant to appeal to the paternal feelings in every man. Just enough little twists and turns to keep you guessing, too.

As with many of the comments previously - it is a film normally stumbled upon by accident, ever so slow and girly at the start, it quickly develops into a lovely heart warmingly (and dare i say as a male - ever so slightly tear starting...) tale. Richard grant shows full emotions (especially during the breakdown) and as ever dame Judi (!) and sir Ian (!) play flawless roles. The yank who id never heard off also contributes substantially to a generally 'warm your cockles film'