mc12000
I watched this without being aware that it is based on a book. However, I an a fan of Guy Pearce and he played this role with his usual proficiency. The story and plot were solid and engaging, and the faint touches of humour gave a well-rounded polish to a low budget title which holds its own very well. The usual elements of a good thriller plot are there. The pub scenes were probably the best and certainly produced the most chuckles.If there was any complaint, it would probably be that Guy Pearce was too good looking for this role, and I felt that someone moodier and beefier might have done it more justice.
riksaga
Been watching the Tom Selleck/Jesse Stone detective shows and I recently ran across some reviews of Jack Irish. So I picked up the 2 flicks and watched the 1st movie a couple of days ago.The acting was solid. The dialogue was engaging. The story was intriguing. The cast of characters had quirkiness, depth & believability and it was action packed and includes a topless female reporter!!The accents & colloquialisms & fast moving plot had me pausing a few times to reflect on what was going on. I should pick up on the Ozzie talk after I watch a few more.I liked the 1st Jesse Stone movie a fraction better than the 1st Jack Irish movie, BUT the 1st Jack Irish movie is better than some of the Jesse Stone sequels.Jack Irish is definitely worth watching!!!
aussiecubs
Rarely do I feel compelled to share my thoughts on a movie to other movie fans. A movie has got to be either really bad or exceptionally good. In the case of Jack Irish: Bad Debts, I am pleased to say that it falls into the exceptionally good category.First up I compliment the previous two reviewers, whose views I share, and who have thoroughly set out some of the merits of this production.This movie is outstanding in virtually every aspect. The actors are great. Guy Pearce is brilliant, as are all the other actors. No wonder, as they are all extremely experienced and each one manages to bring that little bit of extra depth, right from all the leads even down to the very minor roles.The script is great; even though the story goes through quite a few twists and turns, it was entirely believable and had me hooked in.The direction and technical side of things are first class.For Melbournians, there is that little bit of extra joy hidden into so many parts of the film, but these traits also add a nice background and feel to the movie, which international viewers will also enjoy equally as well.One of the best movies I have seen this year, either in theaters or on television. If you love a good yarn, don't miss catching up with this one. I give it 10 out of 10!
Hanne
I love the Jack Irish novels but I was worried the TV adaptation wouldn't do Peter Temple's writing justice. I was so glad to see my fears were unfounded. The show captured the feel of the book perfectly, from the Fitzroy 'youth club', to Charlie the carpenter, to colourful racing identities and hapless and not so hapless crooks. Loved Guy & Martha's crackling chemistry. Guy's portrayal of Jack was just flawless - a slight sense of tragedy an more than a little darkness but not shutting out the world like some other tortured crime novel protagonists. There's a real sense of the Australian male: somewhat stoic, no-nonsense, capable, not beholden to rules but not rebellious for the sake of it, with a good dose of humour thrown in. What's not to love? It doesn't hurt that Guy is getting more sexy as the years go by. More than any other book I've read, Peter Temple's writing seems to capture the mood or feeling of Melbourne perfectly and I was so happy to find the same sense of place in this production. I can't wait to see more and will. Be re-watching this. This is such great television.
AD
