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Review

Made for Showtime and adapted by A.M. Homes from her own novel, jack is the story of a teenage boy who is not only going through with the torture of puberty, but also has to deal with his gay dad and his new boyfriend. Young Russian born actor Anton Yelchin does a fine job as Jack while Stockard Channing (who won a Daytime Emmy for her performance) and Ron Silver bring their natural grace to their respective mother (Anne) and father (Paul) roles. Directed by lesbian director Lee Rose (The Truth About Jane) with skill, the story moves along nicely with no potholes.

The film opens with the parents arguing and we witness the final day of their marriage. Wisely the reasons for the separation are left out of the story until Jack is told, as this film is largely told from Jack's point of view. Jack spends each Wednesday evening with his dad eating at a fancy restaurant avoiding the elephant in the living room. Finally Paul feels he must tell his son about his sexuality -- so in perfect TV form, he breaks the news while they are on a row boat on a deserted lake. Why does everything have to be so dramatic in TV land? Anyway Jack doesn't like the news one bit. He runs home and doesn't want anything to do with dad ever again. Without telling you the whole story, somewhere along the way Jack learns that his dad did the right thing in being honest and there is a catharsis.

While this film obviously has excellent credentials, we'd have to call it one step above a Lifetime Movie, it seems quite contrived. Enjoy it for the fine ensemble acting, dialogue and the pro-gay message it conveys. Expect no major surprises.

 -- Scott Cranin