Review of Jamesy Boy (2014) by Christian S — 27 May 2014

This somewhat endearing second chance drama based on the real life of James Burns a convict struggling to gain his life back boils down to a watchable melodrama. It's a tonal disaster and the acting from our lead actor and other thugs and friends are lackluster except for Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story) who is not only the most uplifting part of the story but also delivers a well done and sharp subtle performance as James's good girl who helps him see the error of his ways but is barely in the movie.

Mary Louis Parker (Weeds) whom I love to death is convincing as his mom but not as heartbreaking as the movie wants her to be. I also found that him becoming a poet or writer was not as focused upon throughout the story as perhaps it should have been as it would have been a smart way to delve deeper in James's cliche character.

With a weak script and it's sub par acting (except for a few players) the structure of the narrative between him before the prison and his time inside and the mildly intriguing true story raise this derivative gangster gone good tale to moderately enjoyable to watch.