You Don't Know Jack

A nice film about a strong topic with a (let’s not exaggerate) very good performance by Al Pacino. But a TV film is still a TV film. What irritated me personally was that Kevorkian’s opposition is portrayed only with a bunch of religious fanatics and an arrogant lawyer. Even though I’m in favour of euthanasia, I’ve met people who support the opposing view and they were able to argue very well. I really missed that kind of opposition in You Don't Know Jack, and compared to other users, I will keep my feet on the ground. 7/10 (12.09.2010)

I’m just writing an assignment about euthanasia, but I stopped writing until I had the chance to watch You Don’t Know Jack. Of course, I also read some books about it, but I said to myself that Pacino might make me a little more enthusiastic about this topic and make the essay better. And I wasn’t wrong, Kevorkian is his best role for the last few years and it’s a pleasure to see him act with such enthusiasm. But I certainly mustn’t forget about John Goodman who complements Al perfectly and some scenes make this almost a snappy-lined buddy movie. Barry Levinson pulls some director’s aces from his sleeve, the story gracefully depicts all the years of Kevorkian’s struggle against the system. I was afraid that, being a TV movie, it might lose some of its punch, but in fact it’s the other way around. This is a personal drama that people should watch at home and have time to think about it in peace without someone crunching on popcorn in the seat behind him. This is a picture about respect for human life and about the opportunity to choose. If those aren’t fundamental themes, I don’t know what is. Way to go, Jack! (15.07.2010)

I don't claim that Jack Kevorkian is Al Pacino's best role, but I do think that he handled it perfectly and breathtakingly. The film, which clocks in at over two hours, is gripping mainly because of him (he doesn't play the doctor, as is his wont, but he simply is him), but it would also be a mistake to forget Barry Levinson and the excellent line-up of supporting actors - an unrecognizable Susan Sarandon, the always likeable John Goodman or Danny Huston with a really bad haircut. Euthanasia is still a hot topic (I don't understand why) and it was good to see that the filmmakers approached it in the same way that Dr. Kevorkian approached death - with sensitivity and dignity. Thank you, HBO, for making this. (20.02.2011)

I didn’t know much about Jack Kevorkian until now, but when I found out there was a film about him starring Al Pacino, I didn’t hesitate for a second. If you’re not a fan of films that start off at a slow pace, this one might not be for you. Luckily, I’m in the other camp. I’m running out of things to say about Al Pacino because it feels like I’ve said it all before. It seems like every role he takes on fits him perfectly. There isn’t a film where he hasn’t been outstanding. Here, too, his performance was Oscar-worthy (I was relieved he at least won the Golden Globe). You Don’t Know Jack is the kind of film where much of its success and positive critical reception wouldn’t be possible without such strong performances, from Pacino as Kevorkian to his brilliant lawyer, played by Danny Huston, to the excellent prosecutor. The story is told in great detail, with some moments hitting the audience emotionally, leaving them unsettled. Over the course of my life, I’ve seen dozens, if not hundreds, of biographical films, but You Don’t Know Jack secures its place in the top ten because it gave me something more than just two well-spent hours, and it left me with something to take away from it. I give it 89%. (13.05.2017)