Review of Jacknife (1989) by Caesar B — 05 Apr 2018

This is a fantastic film starring De Niro as a troubled Vietnam veteran named Joseph Megessy ("Megs") who comes to the aid of his old war buddy, Dave (Ed Harris), an alcoholic truck driver suffering from PTSD after the death of their mutual friend, Bobby. Dave lives in his parents house with his younger sister Martha, a lonely high school teacher who is concerned with her brother's reckless behaviour. When Megs tries to reconnect with Dave, he winds up becoming attracted to Martha, who has mutual feelings. Dave warns Martha of Megs' violent past, but she see's past this and pursues a romance with Megs, who takes her to the high school prom she never attended as a teenager. In the middle of the prom, Dave shows up drunk and vandalise's the school's trophy case before having a heated confrontation with Megs. Dave later returns home and apologise's to Martha for mis-treating her. Megs brings up Bobby and Dave tearfully comes to terms with his past. Megs decides to leave, even after Martha asks him to stay. Megs soon realise's he has strong feelings for Martha and drive's back to be with her. Martha is happy to see him and the two go inside her house.

It's a nice little drama with some funny, true-to-life moments. Kathy Baker, fresh off of Clean and Sober, holds her own among two heavyweights like De Niro and Harris. It's got an engaging 80's TV Movie feel to it, with the type of extras who wear cowboy boots and wear plaid-shirts. It's 80's America where construction workers, doctors, fry cooks and housewives on welfare all co-existed in the Reagan-era with a certain pride. Technically, Bush was in office when this film came out, but let's not get technical. This is an American story about American people with American problems. Megs has been in more bar brawls than he can remember and has spent some time in jail. He finds work as a mechanic and begins spending time with Dave, who by this time is a chronic alcoholic. Meanwhile, Martha has not been with a man in many years and feels her life is passing her by. During his attempts to be closer with Dave, Megs strikes up an easy-going friendship with Martha, which later leads to a sexual romance, much to Dave's dismay. Dave visits Bobby's parents, who welcome him into their home but are concerned for his well-being. Dave goes to a bar and begins drinking heavily. He threatens to assault a group of teengaers playing pool, but the bartender intervenes. The situation reaches it's climax when Dave drunkenly spoils the prom and drives off. With the evening in shambles, Martha attempts to salvage the night with some of the Brandy Megs had brought, but Megs is worried about Dave. After Martha and Dave have it out and eventually embrace, Megs exits the house and is determined to exit Martha's life, feeling as though he does not deserve the love of a good woman.

8.5/10, a solid, under-rated gem!