Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Jack Be Nimble Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 23, 2022

Director Gareth Maxwell (sharing a co-writing credit with Rex Pilgrim) attempts to bring a little bit of Dario Argento to New Zealand in 1993’s “Jack Be Nimble.” It’s an extremely bizarre endeavor about abuse, psychic powers, and revenge, with Maxwell making a distinct effort to strip away formula when dealing with combustible characters on a mission of rage. He creates a stylish, gothic picture, but not always the most compelling one, getting a little lost with his big ideas, trusting the hysteria of the material will help support the viewing experience.

Jack (Alexis Arquette) and Dora (Sarah Smuts-Kennedy) are siblings separated at young age, with the boy sent to an abusive family, while the girl was treated a bit better. Jack develops into an angry teenager, completing work on a hypnosis machine that allows him to murder those who’ve wronged him. Dora develops psychic powers, picked up by predator Teddy (Bruno Lawrence), who stands in Jack’s way when he sets out to reunite with his sister, soon pursued by the four siblings he spared at his previous home.

“Jack Be Nimble” doesn’t feel like a complete idea, playing a bit more randomly to feed Maxwell’s interest in surreal cinema, trying to bring an Italian aesthetic to the endeavor. He offers visual ideas, and most of them are competently executed, but dramatic intensity isn’t quite there, finding the saga of Jack and Dora missing an emotional component to help viewers support the journey of these characters, which is often complicated by manipulative people and violence.

Jack Be Nimble Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as a "brand new 4K restoration," the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a refreshed look at "Jack Be Nimble," which has only popped up sporadically on the home video market. It's not clear what the source is for this release, but it doesn't appear to be working with original materials, offering a softer, slightly processed viewing experience, which doesn't bring out fine detail or real dimension. Colors are acceptable, managing natural skin tones and brighter primaries on costuming. Greenery retains life as well. Delineation is acceptable. Grain has a more zombified quality at times. Some jumpy frames are detected.

Jack Be Nimble Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is effective, with a circular sense of aural engagement. Elements of mental ability employ separation effects, and scoring cues fill the surrounds, creating a decently immersive listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with crisp emotion and balanced argumentative behavior throughout. Low-end isn't challenged.

Jack Be Nimble Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Gareth Maxwell, costume designer Nglia Jackson, cinematographer Donald Duncan, editor John Gilbert, composer Chris Neal, and actresses Elizabeth Hawthorne and Sarah Smuts-Kennedy.

• Interview (22:25, HD) with director Gareth Maxwell examines his childhood, working to understand his place in the world with his early interest in art. Maxwell gravitated toward moviemaking as a young man, learning about the process with help from surreal masters of horror. The interviewee showcases his artwork, analyzing inspirations and creative achievements. Talk of career achievements is included, exploring some technical elements of "Jack Be Nimble" and its casting, and distribution/fest showing memories are shared.

• Interview (23:32, HD) with director Gareth Maxwell is conducted by film critic Dominic Corry. This chat delves more deeply into the origin and execution of "Jack Be Nimble."

• Photo Gallery collects film stills and publicity shots.

• Short Films (HD) include "Beyond Gravity" (50:30) and "Naughty Little Peeptoe" (35:14).

• And a Trailer (1:56, HD) is included.

Jack Be Nimble Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Jack Be Nimble" is certainly capable of conjuring a sinister moment, and Maxwell offers some potent visuals ideas, communicating his filmmaking influences with care. Certain scenes are effective, and the lead performances deliver the kind of energy required to maintain a freak-out vibe. There's oddity as well, which helps the cause. Overall, "Jack Be Nimble" doesn't pack much of a punch, with Maxwell adding ideas to the tale he can't always manage to satisfaction (the hypnosis machine concept could carry an entire feature on its own), making the endeavor something to appreciate, but rarely does it feel as gripping as it could be.