Jake Squared

This. This right here is why I watch movies. The makers of this film, in particular the writer, should be applauded for their seamless execution, invigorating originality and heartfelt, genuine warmth they have wrought in this offbeat, dense yet lighthearted dramedy. Jake Klein (Elias Koteas) is a 50 something movie director, who in the midst of making an autobiographical film set at his Hollywood home, in visited by manifestations of his former self at various stages of his life, manifestations who not only himself, but his family, cast and crew of the movie can see and interact with, providing moments of confusion at first, but also wickedly funny wordplay, introspective contemplation, and ultimately the answer to the missing piece: why has Jake never been able to find the right girl to 'fall in love' with and settle down to. The almost supernatural like format of the plot takes some time getting used to, but is so ingeniously executed, and so enjoyable, it pulls you right in and glues you to the story till the conclusion (or at least it did for me. The extremely underrated and woefully misused Elias Koteas gives the performance of his career as 3 similar yet wildly hilarious different versions of Jake, giving the character the right amounts of pathos, dry humour and just a touch of self deprecation, and warmth. It really is a remarkable performance. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Virginia Madsen, Jane Seymour, Kevin Railsback, Liana Liberato and many more give wonderful support as various people in his life. This is one of those rare indie films that although won't be seen by many people, if given the chance by people in the mood for something of its kind, is an amazingly rewarding, smart, funny, innovative and engaging piece.

"Jake Squared" wasn't really what I had expected it to be. And truth be told, for a comedy/drama, then the movie didn't really offer that much to laugh about.

The story is about aging movie-maker Jake, who is working on a new project, when unannounced his former selves start to appear in order to help him figure out what it is that he is searching for.

I will say that the story was somewhat wasted on me, and I didn't really find it all that appealing or interesting. And the movie tended to drag on for quite a long while.

However, what made the movie watchable was the solid acting performances by the cast. And especially Elias Koteas was really carrying the movie so nicely.

"Jake Squared" is not really a movie for just everyone, and I find it to be something of an acquired taste. I wasn't really entertained by it, and as such I am rating the movie just below average; 4 out of 10 stars.

Just finished watching Jake Squared. I see why its gotten bad reviews. Firstly, it doesn't fit in a nice box. Has none of the common clichés of even Indy cinema. Its got what all interesting art needs. To lay yourself open. To take the risk of showing yourself. Thus being vulnerable to potshots from the postmodern trolls who can't stand a personal art. I like the atmosphere of the whole thing. The music was like another character in the film. Subtle, supportive, original and never overbearing.

Just finished watching Jake Squared. I see why its gotten bad reviews. Firstly, it doesn't fit in a nice box. Has none of the common clichés of even Indy cinema. Its got what all interesting art needs. To lay yourself open. To take the risk of showing yourself. Thus being vulnerable to potshots from the postmodern trolls who can't stand a personal art. I like the atmosphere of the whole thing. The music was like another character in the film. Subtle, supportive, original and never overbearing.

Have you ever thought if our past resurrected and ran after us, we would go crazy like Jake Squared, the film had potential, but it didn't convince me, nor did it involve ... It seems that all the irony made it cold and distant, we didn't create that attachment that is contagious ...

Looking back through the years and coming to terms with the obsessions that haunt us is generally speaking a love/ hate experience.

Unless it is done through the eyes of Elias Koteas, then it is pure love. Some actors are a genuine pleasure to watch, and Koteas is one of them.

Who doesn't wonder if it could have gone different, if it could have been better, or if it should all just be forgotten. Who doesn't wonder if maybe we blew all our best chances,and if so, whether any more will ever come along to help us forget the ones we screwed up. This movie has solid laughs and plenty to reflect about, I totally enjoyed this quirky, how-did-I-get-here, party!