Review of You Don't Know Jack (2010) by Ryan O — 03 Dec 2010

One thing is for certain, when HBO decides to make a film, they go all out and You Don't Know Jack is no exception. This is a fine bio-pic of the controversial Dr. Jack Kevorkian who became famous for advocating and pursuing euthanasia for terminally ill patients. Regardless of your feelings on the subject, this film does a great job in trying to outline his reasons for his pursuit.

Al Pacino is Jack Kevorkian and its a shame that this role can't be considered for an Oscar, because Pacino here disappears into the role, where you'll forget you're watching Pacino and feel like you're actually watching Dr. Kevorkian. Fortunately, he did win the Emmy for Outstanding Actor for a TV Miniseries or Movie and deservedly so. This is a role he was born to play and its compelling, brilliant and one of his best roles since his films of the 1970's.

Susan Sarandon and John Goodman also turn in stellar performances.

Some viewers may find parts of this film difficult to watch, and frankly, I think that's the point. Who of the living, really want to face Death head on - unless you absolutely have to? . Furthermore, if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness and came to the point that you couldn't handle the pain, the decrease in quality of life and had the discussion of euthanasia with your loved ones, is that a road you would choose?

The film takes its time to present this argument. Right or wrong, crazy or not, Dr. Kevorkian felt the need to pursue these types of questions to offer a service to the individuals who were "ok" with that choice. Was it murder? Was it assisted suicide? I'm not sure, in some cases, I can see both sides. These are individual questions that each person needs to come to a conclusion on. This film won't change your mind regardless of what side you fall on -- what it does do however, is offer a portrait of a man who believed in every fabric of his being that he was doing the right thing for humanity and for the medical profession.

This is an outstanding film that is well worth the time invested. Congrats HBO Films - you've produced another winner. The cast takes this film from levels where it could have been a "sympathetic" movie of the week to higher levels. Its a shame it wasn't released in theaters. However, its a shining example that made-for-tv movies can be legitimate contenders to films on the big screen.

I LOVED this movie and highly recommend it.