A Look Over The Horizon With "Captain Jack"
L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 03/25/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This review refers to "Captain Jack" DVD/Wellspring
"Captain Jack" is a film I would recommend for everybody. It's a high seas adventure, a high-spirited comedy, it's got a little romance and some drama as well. It's a feel good film that will have you rooting for the heroes all the way.
Captain Jack (Bob Hoskins), runs a little tour boat business out of the little seaside town of Whitby. Whitby's claim to fame is that it is the home of the famous Captain Cook. But don't let Captain Jack hear you say that, he's a staunch supporter and expert on another Captain that hails from Whitby, Captain Scoresby. Who is Scoresby? He's the sea Captain who in 1791, made a 1300 mile trip, discovering a passageway to the Artic.
Jack is tired of hearing about Captain Cook. He wants to honor Scroseby, and business is slow anyway, so he decides to make the 1300 mile dangerous voyage and place a plaque in the Artic for his hero. He's joined by an unlikely mix of a novice and quirky but highly lovable crew. But uh-oh there's a minor glitch...Jack's boat has failed miserably on inspection and he has been restricted to the Harbor only. Not one to be kept from his mission, Jack and his crew, sneak off and begin their adventure, all the while being chased by The Royal Airforce, Navy, and a host of other marine agencies.
The film, the outstanding British Cast, the story and especially Captain Jack, will have your heart swelling as big as the waves in the ocean. You'll be cheering them on all the way as the go from fugitives to heroes. Bob Hoskins is a marvel as the rascally Captain. Gemma Jones, Maureen Lipman, Sadie Frost, Anna Massey and Peter McDonald add their special charms as well. There's a wonderful soundtrack, with music that just makes you want to be at sea.
The DVD presents a very nice picture (full screen), and excellent sound in stereo. There are some cast and crew bios, and it comes with a "Production Journal" booklet with making of the film info and a little about the story that the film is loosley based on.
It's a wonderful story about following your dreams. There's something for everyone, but I think that anyone who loves stories of the sea, will be especially partial to this one.
Take a look over the horizon with "Captain Jack" and enjoy...Laurie"