Jack (1996 film)

Jack (1996 film) is an American comedy-drama film directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. The film stars Robin Williams in the title role as a boy with a rare aging disorder that makes his body grow at four times the normal rate. Featuring a supporting cast including Diane Lane, Jennifer Lopez, and Bill Cosby, the film explores themes of childhood, friendship, and mortality through a unique fantastical premise.

Plot

Jack Powell is born with a fictional medical condition akin to an extreme form of progeria, causing him to age physically four times faster than normal. Sheltered by his protective mother, played by Diane Lane, and his father, portrayed by Brian Kerwin, Jack is initially educated at home by a tutor, Miss Marquez (Jennifer Lopez). At the age of ten, with the body of a 40-year-old man, he convinces his parents to let him attend public school, where he befriends a group of fifth graders led by Louis (Adam Zolotin). Jack's journey involves navigating schoolyard challenges, a memorable trip to Las Vegas with his teacher, and ultimately confronting his own limited lifespan, culminating in a poignant graduation speech.

Cast

* Robin Williams as Jack Powell * Diane Lane as Karen Powell * Jennifer Lopez as Miss Marquez * Bill Cosby as Mr. Lawrence Woodruff * Fran Drescher as Dolores "D.D." Durante * Brian Kerwin as Brian Powell * Adam Zolotin as Louis * Todd Bosley as Eddie * Seth Smith as John-John * Mario Yedidia as George * Allison Munn as Jane * Michael McKean as Paulie * Allan Rich as Dr. Benfante * Keegan Macintosh as young Jack

Production

The project was developed at Hollywood Pictures, a division of The Walt Disney Company. Director Francis Ford Coppola was brought on board, marking a departure from his more dramatic works like The Godfather. The screenplay was written by James DeMonaco and Gary Nadeau. Filming took place primarily in various locations in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Special makeup effects to age Robin Williams were created by makeup artist Greg Cannom, who had previously won an Academy Award for his work on Bram Stoker's Dracula. The score was composed by Michael Kamen.

Release

The film was released theatrically in North America by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on August 9, 1996. Its premiere was held at the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The marketing campaign heavily emphasized the star power of Robin Williams and the involvement of director Francis Ford Coppola. Internationally, it opened in territories such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany throughout the latter half of 1996.

Reception

Upon release, Jack received predominantly negative reviews from critics. Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reports a low approval rating, with criticism often directed at its sentimental tone and perceived mishandling of its serious premise. However, Robin Williams's performance was frequently noted as a highlight. The film was a modest box office performer, grossing approximately $58.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $45 million. It was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Raspberry Award for Robin Williams, but also received a Young Artist Award nomination for Adam Zolotin.

Home media

The film was released on VHS and LaserDisc by Walt Disney Home Entertainment in January 1997. A DVD edition followed in 1999, featuring a standard full-screen presentation. A subsequent Widescreen DVD was released in 2002. The film became available for digital purchase and streaming on platforms like iTunes and Disney+ in later years.