M34 There is no question that not knowing the Tolstoy story "Two Hussars" will mean you will miss half the humor and irony in 2 Jacks. Read Two Hussars, it is a quick read short story, and good translations are free on the web, and then enjoy this film

Bilbo Baggins I'm sorry but I'm unaware of Tolstoy's stories. This movie was told to be an adaptation of one of his story. Expected some kind of drama, adventure, emotions, twists. But instead got a really boring experience. Had to fast forward a lot of areas as many portions were easily predictable. Maybe it had many layers of intricate details but to a casual viewer like me it was all the more uninteresting. Screenplay of contrasting the colors used for Sr and Jr was good.Final word : It's not a movie of entertainment. Maybe a movie of artistic value. After watching the whole movie, I liked only one person. And it was Guy Burnet.

Stewball This father and son tale of 2 Jacks begins appropriately enough at a non-operating, nothing happening luggage turnstile in the L.A. airport. In between, interest mounts as the suave, feckless and restless father roams a nearly black and white Hollywood in search of financing for what apparently became an Oscar winning but off-screen unnamed effort--the financing for which hinged on a pair of jacks. The movie has its peak midstream with a semi-impromptu song and dance show stopper featuring an entrancing Izabella Miko--who is then unceremoniously, literally and inexplicably dumped, apparently to signal the movie's hyper-colored slide down the backside of the story into the son's not so deft experiences, ending at the same dull nothing happening turnstile where his father started.

jo-ingabire Director Bernard Rose teams up with Danny Huston for their third Tolstoy adaptation following Ivans XTC(2003) and The Kreutzer Sonata(2008) in the indie comedy drama: Two Jacks. Based on the short story of The Two Hussars, it is the tale of . Legendary film director Jack Hussar returns to Hollywood after a long absence looking to finance for his next film. He drinks freely, attends glamorous parties, romances beautiful Diana and wins his financing in a poker game. Years later, his son arrives in Hollywood to make his directorial debut, and it is clear that he aspires to live up to his father's reputation.Rose chooses Hollywood as the backdrop for this study of what goes into creating an impression. And how apt.Danny Huston gives a rousing performance as the chain smoking, self absorbed, washed up director whose legend and persona are more revered than his actual talent. Jack Huston's portrayal of the Jack Hussar Jr. is a subtle, nuanced presentation of youthful bravado and insecurity. Unlike Joe Wright's recent grandiose, cinematic adaptation of Anna Karenina (2012), Two Jacks stays true to Rose's 'high art/ low-fi' style, fast camera work and quick edits are reminiscent of European cinema and the French New Wave. Rose's direction constantly points to the characters and keeps you engaged. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to look at; the costumes designed by Julia Clancey are spectacular, the photography is quirky and captivating. The performances by a stellar cast that also boasts Jacqueline Bisset as the old Diana and Richard Portnow as Lorenzo, the mafiaso looking producer. This is Rose's fourth film of his Tolstoy series and arguably the best. It is not just the alternative, indie Tolstoy adaptation, it is by far the most interesting, intelligent and entertaining. Well worth a watch.