TheLittleSongbird
There are several reasons why I wanted to see Jack & Sarah, and a couple of them are to do with one or two of the cast members. I am a huge fan of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and when I saw they were going to be in the same film together, I thought to myself this movie is going to be good! Overall, I was not disappointed. Some parts are slow, but the acting more than made up for it. Tim Sullivan's direction ensured that the film didn't get too sentimental, though some of it is very sweet and poignant, and the script is honest and touching. Jack & Sarah is very nice to look at too, the cinematography and scenery are both lovely, and the music is very warm and inviting. But the real delight is the acting; Richard E.Grant is very good as the high-flying lawyer/bumbling father figure, while Samantha Mathis is appealing as the nanny who falls for her employer. However, Ian McKellen as the tramp-cum-butler in a class of his own and Judi Dench as Margaret are the ones who steal the show, while Eileen Atkins gives terrific support. Overall, very nice and charming film. 8/10 Bethany Cox
intelearts
Amazing moments of bitter sweetness and a 180° turn around for Richard E Grant from Withnail and the frankly strange How to get ahead in Advertising made this memorable.With a winning story of a widower, a baby, and an American girl this is much better than routine storyline - it has a very good support cast with Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and the wonderful Eileen Aitkens who should have become a household name as Dame Dench as done.Scene after scene that are all memorable and some excellent comedy moments this is truly a heartwarming film and a real treasure.Not just a comedy it tackles wider issues like grief with alacrity and Samantha Mathis and Grant have the right chemistry.If you've never seen it I would recommend it, and if you have seen it it's worth seeing again: it holds up very well.
jotix100
"Jack and Sarah", the delightful comedy directed by Tim Sullivan, was shown recently on cable. The appeal of the film lies largely in the fabulous cast that was put together. Mr. Sullivan delivers a 'feel good' movie that will warm hearts for viewers of all ages.When Jack's wife dies, suddenly, he is left alone with an infant girl. Jack has no clue about what to do with the baby. His life goes into a tailspin. Enter his kind parents and former mother-in-law. They all have ideas about what to do with Sarah, but Jack ends up resenting their interference. That's when he has the bright idea of getting a nanny for little Sarah.Amy, the girl he hires, is probably the wrong kind for the job. Little does Jack know, Amy doesn't have a clue about children, let alone, how to handle them. The only thing that is clear is that Amy loves her little charge. Amy and Sarah seem to have been made for one another. Jack warms up to the babysitter and they find one another in love because of Sarah.Richard E. Grant is a versatile actor. He is tremendously appealing as the confused father of a baby he was not prepared to handle. Samantha Mathis makes an endearing Amy, the girl that steals Jack's heart. Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Ian McKellen are seen in in supporting roles that add great charm to the film.This is a fun film thanks to Tim Sullivan.
George Parker
"Jack and Sarah" is all about a British man, Jack, who finds himself stuck with a new born daughter, Sarah, while mourning the loss of his wife. As he struggles with his grief, he takes on an American nanny, Amy, (Mathis) who, with and in spite of assorted family and friends, helps him find happiness again. A tad long for a romcom at almost 2 hours, this easy-going and light hearted flick gets moving and keeps moving with enough side characters and subplots neatly knitted together that the time passes swiftly. Unabashedly sentimental but with a little edge to it, "Jack and Sarah" works well, doesn't stereotype too much, ignores the obvious opportunities for culture clashing, and passes on the schmaltz. Cute, fun, and fresh, "J&S" should make an enjoyable watch for anyone looking to wile away a couple of hours with some romantic comedy fare. Now on broadcast with R-rated language and G-rated CC's. (B)