The Jimmy Show Reviews

I don't have any problem with a film being dreary and depressing, but throughout The Jimmy Show I was repeatedly asking myself, "What's the point?" The protagonist of this story is introduced to us as a self-absorbed, obnoxious whiner who periodically picks up prescriptions for his invalid grandmother. The use of the grandmother as a way to manipulate the audience is particularly distasteful, and I couldn't force myself to feel any attachment to the main character. This film is too sentimental to be effective, too self-conscious to be earnest, and ultimately we are simply called to witness a loser's life falling apart. Sure, it's unfortunate and unpleasant to watch, but that doesn't make it a meaningful picture. The acting is fantastic from the entire cast, and it's a shame to see Frank Whaley waste such a superb performance on this piece. Ethan Hawke steals every scene he's in with his hilarious supporting role. Overall, there is just not enough going for this film for me to recommend it.

I dont remember this movie at all, but i know i watched it, that must mean it really wasnt a good movie at all.

Good try, but depressing. Frank Whaley does a fine job acting. His direction is a bit negative though and a real downer. It was an uncomfortable film to watch. Not a bad film at all, it just left me feeling bummed.

I dont remember this movie at all, but i know i watched it, that must mean it really wasnt a good movie at all.

Have to agree with Mike T.? The point it did make sad ending for a sad, angry character could have been done in 30 minutes. I had to fast forward the last 30 minutes of it, which was a repeat of the previous hour, just to make it to the ending. It was a waste of a great cast and gritty realistic filming. What was Whaaley thinking? Where did this story come from ? What was his motivation ? I really like him as an actor. I don't get it. He had to know this would not be a popular film, and maybe he didn't care about that. I'm more than surprised that 29% of any audience actually said they liked this film. I would have guessed 5% at most.Would love to hear Whaley's explanantion of this film.

One of the most wretched and self-indulgent movies I've ever seen. It was like having to sit through a two hour recitation of poetry from a thirteen-year-old goth kid. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves, especially Whaley, for producing such sappy, depressing tripe. AND THAT DAMN PIANO!! Absolute torture!
If anyone feels the need to experience this movie, all you have to do is drive to the Pine Barrens in Jersey on a cold winters day and gently place a gun in your mouth. Oops, looks like you can't afford bullets, so there's nothing left to do but crumple into a fetal ball and cry and cry until your tears form frozen walrus tusks on your chin. Boo-fricking-hoo.

5.5/10. Good try, but depressing. Frank Whaley does a fine job acting. His direction is a bit negative though and a real downer. It was an uncomfortable film to watch. Not a bad film at all, it just left me feeling bummed.

Frank Whaley is a good actor and he showed great promise in his first writing and directing effort [i]Joe the King, [/i]a good film that could've been great. His follow-up however is sadly a dull failure. It's called [i]The Jimmy Show [/i]and once again he brings great promise to the project both with the story and the cast. Whaley plays the lead character Jimmy, a strange man that seems to not know how to be a normal human being. Carla Gugino gives an effective performance as Jimmy's wife and Ethan Hawke is also good as Jimmy's burn out co-worker at a supermarket.

The sad part about the film failing is that it shouldn't have. Whaley is a convincing director and has great knowledge of the process, but his writing needs severe reworking as it almost never feels realistic. His performance as Jimmy showcases the gifts he has as an actor, but the character is just uninteresting and bland. Ethan Hawke is one of my favorite actor/ novelist/writer /directors out there, he has talents beyond comprehension, but he's wasted here. One gets the feeling that he's just doing a favor for a good friend and repaying Whaley for starring in his debut film [i]Chelsea Walls[/i]. That is a far superior work than [i]The Jimmy Show [/i]and I recommend spending your time on that if you're torn between the two. This is just an unfinished piece of work that could have went somewhere. I hope Whaley can rebound if he attempts to write and direct again.