Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girls' romance has strange, gory overtones.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Jack and Diane
What's the Story?
Shy, distracted Diane (Juno Temple) comes to stay with her aunt (Cara Seymour) in New York City and meets a damaged, streetwise, tough girl called "Jack" (Riley Keough). They quickly develop feelings for each other and spend a great deal of time kissing, though neither is sure how their relationship will progress, especially since Diane is leaving for Paris soon (and doesn't know how to tell Jack). Their feelings grow so strong that they eventually, apparently, turn into monsters and devour each other. Is this all happening in their dreams, or is their love destined for destruction on a real level as well?
Is It Any Good?
Writer/director Bradley Rust Gray is capable of subtle character studies, like 2009's The Exploding Girl, and he nearly creates something as good with JACK & DIANE. But the weird, violent touches in the movie's margins cast a confusing and sickening shadow across the rest of it. The monster attacks -- and the weird little interludes (animated by the Brothers Quay) leading up to them -- don't make much sense, unless it's to underline something as simple as "they love each other so much they want to devour each other." If so, there has to be a better way to show it.
Perhaps worse is the idea that Gray added these sequences as a way to cash in on the general horror/romance trend of the successful Twilight movies. Without the gore, Jack & Diane doesn't have much of a story, but it does have two interesting characters (and two strong performances). They could have been the subjects of a more emotionally involving -- and less baffling -- movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jack & Diane's violent scenes. What is their impact? Are they necessary to the story?
How does the movie depict sex? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How do the characters deal with sex on the Internet? Are they victims or survivors? Is there a better way to deal with these things?
What audience do you think the filmmaker is trying to appeal to? Does he succeed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : January 8, 2013
- Cast : Cara Seymour , Juno Temple , Riley Keough
- Director : Bradley Rust Gray
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual content including nudity and an assault, bloody violence, language and drinking - all involving teens
- Last updated : July 29, 2022
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