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The Two Jakes (1990)

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Average Rating: 5.4/10
Reviews Counted: 17
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 6

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 2.9/5
User Ratings: 5,588

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Movie Info

The Two Jakes is the much-delayed and rather convoluted sequel to the 1975 classic Chinatown. Released in 1990 after an abortive stab at shooting that began in the mid-'80s, the film was the subject of a creative feud between its principals, star Jack Nicholson, producer Robert Evans, and screenwriter Robert Towne. Private eye Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is a middle-aged war hero, paunchy, snobbish about his golf game, and about to marry a lovely and much younger woman. Then a fleeting

R, 2 hr. 17 min.

Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

Directed By: Jack Nicholson

Written By: Robert Towne

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1990 Wide

On DVD: Nov 23, 1999

Paramount Home Video

The Two Jakes Trailer & Photos

Cast

Jack Nicholson
Jake Gittes
Harvey Keitel
Jake Berman
Meg Tilly
Kitty Berman
Madeleine Stowe
Lillian Bodine
Eli Wallach
Cotton Weinberger
Frederic Forrest
Chuck Newty
Ruben Blades
Mickey Nice
David Keith
Loach
Richard Farnsworth
Earl Rawley
Tracey Walter
Tyrone Otley
Joe Mantell
Lawrence Walsh
James Hong
Kahn
Jeff Morris
Tilton
Rebecca Broussard
Gladys
Paul A. DiCocco Jr.
Allan Warnick
Rippey
Susan Forristal
Delores
Will Tynan
Judge Dettmer
Van Dyke Parks
Francis Hannah
William Duffy
Desk Sergeant
Sue Carlton
Mattie Rowley
Jessica Z. Diamond
Receptionist
Faye Dunaway
Evelyn Mulwray
Bob George
Bar Maitre d'
Randi Ingerman
Lana
Perry Lopez
Capt. Lou Escobar
John Herman Shaner
Saul
Michael Shaner
Benny
Rosie Vela
Lee Weaver
Caddy #1
Luana Anders
Florist
Dean Hill
Cop with Parrot
Tom Waits
Plainclothes Policeman
Don Charles McGovern
Bartender
Jonathan Hackett

Critic Reviews for The Two Jakes

All Critics (24) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (6) | DVD (11)

If you're going to write a love letter to yourself, Jack, this is the way to do it.

November 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Slant Magazine

| Comment

Jeremiah Kipp

Slant Magazine

The Two Jakes allows Nicholson to reprise one of his most memorable characters as a way of seeing whether he's still got it.

November 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Slant Magazine

| Comment

Jeremiah Kipp

Slant Magazine

Points out that we may think we're done with the past but it almost never is done with us.

August 30, 2004 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

| Comment

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

Of course it's no "Chinatown," but it is satisfyingly moody and atmospheric.

October 23, 2003 Comment

Rob Thomas

Capital Times (Madison, WI)

feels a lot like a retread of Chinatown, only without the style and panache that Polanski brought to the table

September 9, 2003 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com

| Comment

Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Disappointing follow-up to Chinatown

June 19, 2003 Comment

Jon Niccum

Lawrence Journal-World

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Two Jakes

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For an unnecessary sequel, The Two Jakes is pretty amazing. It really kept the style of the first film and really built on the characters in the first. You could clearly see how much Jack Nicholson cared about the film and his devotion to Polanski�??s filming style. However, this is very much a late 40s approach to

March 16, 2010

Conner Rainwater

Super Reviewer

Jack Nicholson revives the Jake Gittes myth in this minor but decent follow up to the legendary Chinatown. it keeps the twists and intricate schemes of the first. but the romantic, unnerving and disturbing touch is lost.

March 4, 2008

Pierluigi Puccini

Super Reviewer

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