Review of You Don't Know Jack (2010) by Hanna H — 16 Jan 2011

I know quite a bit about euthanasia. The controversy surrounding it was an interest of mine in high school. Researching both sides sort of forced me into choosing a side, with the main deciding factor being the case of Dr. Kervorkian. But my views on it have altered in the past 7 years with the new and/or more relevant information coming about, not to mention realizing on my own that it's not the worst thing in the world. People choosing what they want to do with their own lives is just common sense.

From what I've noticed over the years is that there is no middle ground on this issue. People are either opposed and don't listen to any opinions from the other side or they are not opposed, but still listen to (and endure) the opinions and public ridicule from the opposing side. I'm definitely not saying that both sides don't have valid arguments because they do. But I AM saying it's unfair to use your own views on life to define what's best for someone you don't even know. Judging someone with no information is ridiculous. (This argument works with many other issues like abortion, gay marriage, legalizing marijuana, etc.).

Anyway, no onto the movie. I thought it was done very well. It kept my attention, which I was worried about because although the subject matter is of interest to me, it could have easily been boring. However, I don't believe they showed the opposing side in a very good light. Even though I don't agree with them, they should still make their points somewhat valid. All they did was show them as Bible-thumping morons with picket signs saying things like "It's God's choice" and "I don't want to die" and "Don't kill me, Jack." Seeing those words doesn't make me want to listen to them at all because they're only seeing/doing what they want and not listening to the whole issue. If you don't want to die, then fine. No one's asking you to.

Al Pacino was very good. I forgot it was him throughout most of it. I felt like I was just watching someone's life. His performance made me see Dr. Kervorkian in a different way. He's not the greatest person in the world, but he's definitely not a monster like many people have made him out to be. I wasn't disturbed by any of this either, as was mentioned in some reviews I've read. Perhaps it's because I know a lot about the subject, but I really don't think it's anything to lose sleep over. So...should euthanasia be legalized? Yes (with restrictions), but we obviously have a long way to go.