Review of Jake Squared (2014) by Robert S — 22 Aug 2014

A smart conceit connecting filmmaking, love, and the gaining of wisdom, through loss, is played out with California optimism and sunlight. JAKE SQUARED is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through one man's subconscious. Over the course of the film-taking place in the film within the film- Jake literally confronts, his former selves; not as ghosts or visions, but as flesh and blood beings. Each self brings with him his own resentments as to why Jake did x or failed to do y.

Of course, the failures had to do with finding and losing beautiful lovers who would have been perfect for him at that time. His earlier selves, at 20, 30 and 40, are played/dressed to fit their their time, are all quite good, as are the women, Jake lacked the courage or maturity to love.

In the end, all the selves eventually reconcile with various selves over the difficulties of finding lasting or true love. Most helped along by the appearance of the woman in question at the time.

At times, the film is facile, staying on the surface, and other time silly (in the best sense of the word). It is also surprising touching, if you allow yourself to consider honestly all the loves you let slip through your hands and pass through your heart.

I recommend the film as a balm for times when you feel wistful or nostalgic. In its sincerity, JAKE SQUARED offers the same bittersweet pleasure felt reading through all the love letters you've kept, from all the lovers you've known, over the course of your life.