DVD Review “Janie Jones”

Directed by: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Shue,
Peter Stormare
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 107 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

This film is one of my favorites from 2011. The film didn’t get a big release and deserves a lot more attention. It’s story is really original and touching. The performances in the film from Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola are top notch and packed with emotion. Besides the performances, I really enjoyed the original music created for the film by Gemma Hayes and Eef Barzelay. Also the songs are actually sung by Nivola and Breslin, which is very impressive. This is a must see film and definitely worth picking up on DVD.

The film is inspired by a true story about a 13-year old girl, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin) is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elizabeth Shue), and informs fading rock star, Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), that she is his daughter. Janie is left on the road with her new found father and his world is falling apart himself. The two of them embarks on a journey that might lead them both to be find what they are looking for.

Even though this film is so great, the special features are that great. Included on the disc is an brief but decent interview with JANIE JONES Team, presented by American Express. I was hoping for some features on the music created for the film, which I really enjoyed. Although it isn’t all lost since there is a good audio commentary track from director David M. Rosenthal and film’s producers.

Film Review “Janie Jones”

Directed by: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Shue,
Peter Stormare
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 107 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Well award season is just around the corner and and this one better be one of the films to get noticed. I think the only film I have seen Abigail Breslin in was “Zombieland” (no “Signs” doesn’t count she was 5). I never saw “Little Miss Sunshine” but I heard she could act…in this film she does that and even sings. I have been a big fan of Alessandro Nivola since 2000’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. This film is well paced and packed with great drama, superb acting and great music.

The film is inspired by a true story about a 13-year old girl, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin) is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elizabeth Shue), and informs fading rock star, Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), that she is his daughter. Janie is left on the road with her new found father and his world is falling apart himself. The two of them embarks on a journey that might lead them both to be find what they are looking for.

The acting in the film is phenomonal. We might even forgive Alessandro Nivola for doing “Jurassic Park III”, due to this role. Abigail Breslin is also really emotional and strong in the film, obviously we all know she has a bright future. The music in the film is so amazing!! It is original music created by Gemma Hayes and Eef Barzelay and actually sung and played by Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola in the film. I will purchasing the soundtrack for sure!  This film better get recognized during award seasons.