This sequel to CHINATOWN has a lot going for it, but unfortunately its parts do not amount to a full on masterpiece. Jack Nicholson reprises his role of Jake Gittes, this time knee deep in a mystery involving land baron Harvey Keitel (the other "Jake"), daffy vamp Madeline Stowe and the very enigmatic Meg Tilly. Yes, it ties back to the earlier film and yes, the script by Robert Towne is extremely rich. That said, the film itself is not altogether satisfying because while it's chock full of excellent scenes, it's missing a major element that every good mystery needs: a truly menacing adversary. While CHINATOWN concluded in the most catastrophic way, THE TWO JAKES essentially cops out at the end. Still, it's a well-mounted period piece with exceptional acting (particulary Tilly) from all. Nicholson is a savvy director with a keen sense of casting. He populates the supporting cast with Frederic Forrest, Eli Wallach, David Keith and, from the earlier film, James Hong, Perry Lopez and the dependable Joe Mantell as his right-hand man.
Review of The Two Jakes
