My Brother Jack (2013) User Reviews

Cool.

[roadkilljason · 7/10 · 25 September 2017]

My Brother Jack is a chilling mystery/romance tale about the aftermath of parents being murdered. One brother, Vincent, is suffering from mental and sleep problems. The other one, Jack, is pursuing art from objects that he finds. I watched this film when my college professor offered extra credit for it, and it was a great opportunity. I think it is one of the best independent films of the 2010s. The movie was filmed on a low budget, but with the skill of the cinematographers you would hardly notice. Scenes with quiet moments say more than words could establish. The cast, especially the actors, deliver a story that has much suspense concerning the whodunit mystery, and an outcome you never saw coming. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to watch movies like I do.

weak...at best

[jacksavo212 · 1/10 · 7 March 2013]

Being a new haven native i originally was uber excited to see a film here. That wore off VERY quickly. The film was weak. The plot line undeveloped, the actors seemed like hobbyists with the exception of a few, and the sound, editing and composition as a whole just seemed to have missed the target. There were too many elements of the story that did NOT gel at all, and seemed like the mistakes of a rookie writer. I know nothing about the people behind this at all, I am merely a film fan that was excited to see something in my home town and left wanting my money back. Too bad, this is why New haven cant have nice things. This film sadly doesn't have a shot to be anything bigger than a cool premier at The Criterion.

Smart and Creative Storytelling

[hamlet813-602-738633 · 9/10 · 16 March 2013]

I loved this movie! The storyline was intelligent and engaging. I like when a film keeps me involved, no matter what the subject and this movie did just that. I was extremely impressed with performances of the two leads (Jon Thorndike and Malcolm Madera). The score was incredible, it really added to the film and created an environment that felt real. and I look forward to hearing more about this film in the coming year. Independent filmmaking is vital to this art form and when I see a movie like this, that is directed so well, I am very pleased. It's good to know that you don't need to have a big budget and Hollywood resources to make a great movie. This was a passionate and creative story, much different from what I've seen in some time.

I love Independent Filmssss!!!

[nicnacjac · 8/10 · 18 March 2013]

I had the opportunity to go to the films cast/crew screening. I was very impressed with the film as a whole, and the story kept me thinking well after it ended. I liked how the music was specific to the movie, since it was all composed by Jonny Rodgers, who is originally from New Haven. I liked how that ties in with the "New Haven" approach to the film. I enjoyed how the story line came together at the end, and I thought it was a smart movie, unpredictable, well written and creative. I was especially blown away by Jon Thorndike's performance as Vincent, and how he could make such a difficult, complex roll look so easy. I liked how the look, feel, and tone of the film went perfectly with the storyline, and my family and I were even more impressed when we found out that the film was made for under 40k, which it much less than it seemed.

Terrific Film

[jonzuk · 9/10 · 19 March 2013]

My wife and I really enjoyed My Brother Jack. It far exceeded my expectations, especially knowing the coffee-sized budget. Acting - especially Vincent, Alex, and Jack and really all the other actors was excellent. Story line was very engaging and filming so professional. There were so many wonderful shots and creative ways to connect the storyline and even the music seemed like a well thought out character in the storyline. We were so absorbed by your creation the entire time. Kudos to all your great creativity and energy. Keep it up and good luck with this and your future endeavors. We have always been supporters of independent film and having the opportunity to see this one, so early on, was a delight.

Masterful Psychological Drama Rooted in Childhood

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 27 December 2019]

Expertly crafted elements of psychological drama ignite an elite acting chemistry realized between its two male leads in the terrific "My Brother Jack," a deeply engrossing tale of childhood trauma and the divergent but permeating impacts it can exact on subsequently lived adult lives.

Deftly leveraging the full arsenal of tonally isolating storytelling implements, director Stephen Dest wastes no time laying the groundwork: Younger brother Vincent (Jon Thorndike) is a mental patient in the same bustling yet somehow lonely-feeling hometown in which brother Jack (Malcolm Madera) is now a renowned artist. Through flashback to their shared childhood, we learn that the Christmastime murder of their parents has served as the cataclysmic driver placing the brothers on these disparate adult paths. During sleep, Vincent remains terribly affected by recurring, faceless glimpses of the murders he witnessed, while Jack's committed support of his brother stems in no small part from his lifelong guilt over consciously staying in his room as the killings took on their horrible shape. When convicted murderer Arthur Wood (Thomas Francis Murphy) is set free, he's quick to realize his own violent death, which places the two adult brothers under intense police scrutiny.

There's a supernatural element which slowly percolates up and through the framework of "My Brother Jack," hinted at just enough to imbue the film with its sublime promise of an otherworldly resolution. Vincent's visions subtly pivot from afflicted flashback to forward-looking images of his own possible demise, seamlessly blurring the line between memory and prophecy. In the sum of its parts, "My Brother Jack" delivers psychological suspense in a way aspired to in so many films, yet rarely achieved to the extent displayed here. Highly recommended. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Fantastic Indie drama!

[Anmer93 · 9/10 · 10 September 2019]

A fantastic indie drama, gripping and tense with some excellent performances, yes the visuals are not as flashy as some mainstream counter parts but this is a valiant indie film, that aims high of atmosphere and emotion and in my opinion reaches it perfectly.

Great Little Indie Film

[owhiteeagle · 8/10 · 3 May 2017]

I randomly watched this film the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes independent films can get a little messy but this one seemed to come together well. The writing was very good and I loved the plot twist. Most of the scenes look like they were shot in the actual city of New Haven, Connecticut. The directing was great but I would have liked to see better cinematography in the movie. For me, these can always make or break great indie movies. Although not bad, it wasn't the greatest and I feel like it hurt the film a little. Overall, I would recommend giving it a watch.

Cool Film

[littlebylittleus · 8/10 · 14 February 2017]

I so happened to stumble upon this film and decided to give it a go. I was drawn in to the story through the characters fairly quickly...particularly the two brothers. I thought Jon Thorndike and Malcolm Madera created enough tension and a secrecy between them and I felt like I really wanted to see some emotional relief for them. Just an aside, I noticed the "Found Art" that was used in this film and waited for the credits to learn who was behind it. I saw that it was actually a local New Haven artist by the name of Silas Finch. I subsequently made it a to see and learn more about his work. Kudos for using local New Haven talent n a film that was beautifully shot in New Haven Connecticut. I also enjoyed the performance of Thomas Francis Murphy as Arthur Wood. I felt that there were just enough subtle cues to peak the interest of his character which eventually lead to the significant involvement in this story.

Awesome Film About Two Brothers

[tdrotim · 9/10 · 27 April 2017]

My Brother Jack is a wonderful film about two brothers and the close relationship that they have with each other. I really enjoyed the film's writing, the plot was excellent, the music was well thought out and composed to fit each character and really added depth to the film's mood. The actors did an excellent job and the film was directed really well. The cinematography was stunningly beautiful and showcased the city of New Haven perfectly. I did not want to stop watching the film. I would watch it again.

GREAT FILM!!

[riptide-39919 · 10/10 · 27 April 2022]

What a joy to watch a film that has character development which is something Hollywood has now abandoned. The writers, directors and actors pull the audience into the characters lives making it impossible for anyone not to get emotionally involved and care about the primary characters in the film. The soundtrack for this edgy film is also perfect and only adds to the allure which the script produces. Once again.... FANTASTIC !!!!