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The Jakes are Missing
South Africa 2015
produced by Bianca Isaac, Basil Ford (executive), Kagisho Bapela (executive) for Figjam Entertainment
starring Mampho Brescia, Pope Jerrod, Mpho Sebeng, Jody Abrahams, Craig Palm, Sokhulu Mthiyane, Heidi Mollentze, Nicole Bailey, Celeste Nutili, Dirk Stoltz, Zakeeya Patel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Abigail Kubeka, Darlington Michaels, Suraya Santos, Ashish Gangapersad, Annie Malan, Richard van der Westhuizen, Sphamandla Walter Dhludhlu, Rebecca Curry, Yonda Thomas, Joy Monareng, Joey Henson, David Dukas, Xabiso Mandini, Ayanda Linda Makayi, Monré Aucamp, Charmaine Weir-Smith, Grace Bapela, Sipho Bennet Zungu
written by Bianca Isaac, music by Tim Hendricks
review by Mike Haberfelner
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Janice (Mampho Brescia) and Donald (Pope Jerrod) are successful
professionals, they live in the nicest of houses, have more money than
they might ever need - and their marriage is pretty much on the brink.
They've grown cold towards one another over the years, and now the only
thing that's keeping them together is their son Simon (Mpho Sebeng) - and
they're doing a lousy job at being great parents to him, among other
things by trying to force him to study and live a joyless life like them
rather than see him follow his dream to become a musician. So he has to
sneak out of the house to play gigs - and on one such occasion he
witnesses a murder. But that's not enough, the killers, members of a ring
of smugglers run by Malone (David Dukas) find out who he is and suspect
him to have gotten away with part of their loot (he didn't) - and now they
want to track him down. Fortunately, the police has been on the trail of
the smugglers for years, but can't make an arrest without evidence - so
they swiftly relocate the Jakes to somewhere in the country, where the
very urban family has at first trouble to adjust. Janice feels herself not
cut out to be a housewife, Donald feels overwhelmed by the attention the
local single ladies heap onto him while he, as a successful landscaper,
has troubles convincing the town keeper (Dirk Stoltz) of his plans to
revamp the town, and young Simon is quick to lose his heart to the
reverend's (Darlington Michaels) daughter (Nomzamo Mbatha) - but
eventually, country life grows onto all three of them, and Janice and
Donald even rediscover their long thought lost love for one another. Then
though Malone's number two (Jody Abrahams) finds out where the Jakes are
hiding out and takes his men to dish out their punishment - and all during
the annual town's fair, too ...
Now I have to admit, even if the actual finale of this movie
is originally executed, the third act as a whole is a bit too concerned
with just setting things right for everybody (who deserves it) and hammer
its formulaic message of a "simpler life" home a bit too
eagerly, even for a romantic comedy. But that said, the way to third act
is actually riddled with good ideas, poignant and universal satire, strong
eccentric characters, all revolving around an interesting build-up that
does take its chances, all of which is only supported by a slick
directorial effort and solid performances by all involved. So even if the
destination is a bit too predictable, it's at least a nice ride, even if
you're not into romantic comedies one bit.
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review © by Mike Haberfelner
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Robots and rats,
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