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Parents' Guide to

Turn Around Jake

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Artless redemption story is predictable and trite.

Movie NR 2014 96 minutes
Turn Around Jake Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Jake Zaker (Jarret LeMaster) turns a blind eye to the corruption around him at the opening of TURN AROUND JAKE. In fact, he's a willing participant. But when the FBI raids his company's office, Jake finds himself the fall guy for the unscrupulous president (Michael Madsen). Neither his best friend nor his fiancée can be counted on to help. He's desperate: His assets have been frozen, his apartment has been invaded, and everything he's worked for is gone. So Jake does the only thing he can -- he heads home to Texas after a six-year absence. What he finds in the small town from which he eagerly escaped is a loving dad, old friends who are willing to forgive, and the high school sweetheart he hurt and left behind. Hanging onto his pride, his boyhood distaste for the small-town lifestyle, and his need to seem important, Jake finds himself on the brink of losing everything again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

Good intentions are simply not enough -- this low-budget, amateurish production disappoints on every level. With very few exceptions, the performances are weak; the story is derivative; and the writing and directing are simplistic, completely without subtlety or grace. Everyone's trying hard; everyone involved thinks the message is worth the effort. And, as satisfying as it might be to watch a character struggle with values and past mistakes and find spiritual solace, it doesn't happen here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why "redemption" movies are satisfying to audiences. Are there ways in which Jake's story might help you make important choices?

  • Long-kept secrets are an important part of this plot. Though Jake must bear most of the responsibility for his downfall, do you think his dad and Jessie might have made a difference if they'd been more honest?

  • Talk about this film's predictability. Did anything surprise you about this story, or were you always ahead of the characters and the plot? When did you first know how the film would end?

Movie Details

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