The Jack Bull (1999)

The Jack Bull

One of John Cusack's best best movies to date. It sheds light on true honor and the man's man way f life. He truly parallels the John wayne persona but with the soft as family man. A movie that you will watch more than five times. March 18, 2008

"Somebody steps on your rights, go after him. Never give up... never."

The Jack Bull was presented on HBO in April, 1999. Why it never played on the big screen is a mystery to me. It certainly rivals any western to have come out of Hollywood in quite some time although without the graphic violence, sex and profanity. True, there are some scenes laced with profanity but these are few and far between. The violence is under-stated and restrained.

The film's title refers to the Jack Russell breed of terrier which is said to never let go once it latches on. Myrl Redding is like the Jack Russell in his tenacity. It is justice he wants and justice he will have, even if it means the loss of everything he holds dear.

His resolve will be sorely tested as he launches a very personal vendetta against rural Wyoming bully, Henry Ballard, masterfully played by L.Q. Jones.

The Jack Bull's plot is riveting and beautifully acted by the entire cast. Watch for an astonishing performance from Drake Bell. This star is a dead-ringer for a young John Cusack. I would not be surprised if he were a distant relative.

This reviewer was brought to tears during two key scenes in the film (once you watch it, you will know which I mean.) This is a rarity for a western. Interestingly, the screenplay for The Jack Bull was written by none other than Cusack family scion, Dick, who, in fact, had a different star in mind to play Myrl Redding, the horse trader. We can consider ourselves lucky that John won the role. He does his father and the film proud. February 13, 2008

Entertaining authentic era western

Entertaining movie with an authentic realism to the settings and politics. A conflict of justice and injustice. February 8, 2008

"Myrl Redding didn't fail the law.The law failed Myrl."

I had never heard of this movie when I saw it in the store.It seemed to have all the makings of a western,but I hadn't associated John Cusack or John Goodman with Westerns.I was also not familiar with most of the other actors in the movie.One of the liner notes stated,"Gritty western harks back to John Wayne and Clint Eastwood classics.".Since that would be a lot to stand up to,I thought I would give it a try.
Was I ever impressed! This is a fine crafted Western movie in all respects. It has a great storyline that grabs your attention right in the beginning and holds it completely up to the end .Just as the story comes to its unusual end ,and we don't want to let go; we are eased back to reality with a moving song and music by Bob Dylan,"Ring Them Bells",sung by himself.
This gripping saga is quite unlike any Western that I can think of. When I finished ,I read all the reviews and found some real interesting things.The story is based on a book written way back in the year 1810.And that it was written in German and had nothing to do with America and the Old West.It must have been a teriffic piece of creative work to adapt it to the location and time of Wyoming Territory obtaining statehood.The outdoor scenes were filmed around Calgary,Alberta and the movie is filled with excellent scenery and excellent use of photography in creating appropriate moods and atmosphere.While there is some shooting,it is very minimal,except for the scene where the Military uses massive gunfire and even a Gatlin gun to mow down a few Indians in an ambush. The movie deals with a lot about personl feelings,corruption and outrageous application of justice. In the fast development of the Old West, during the times when these areas were Territories,it was no time for delaying or unlawful application of justice. Redding,who was being unjustly treated by people and their misuse of power;gave the "system' a chance to work;failing that,he had no other recourse than to take matters in his own hand,and get his justice.
This movie brings home the idea that;

"Justice delayed is justice denied."

This is a fine,powerful story with a lot of thought ,meaning and feeling ,so well crafted that it certainly ranks up there with the best.It deserves to be considered a classic for many reasons. February 16, 2007

In the same class as Unforgiven

What fantastic value DVD this is. Hard to believe this was a TV movie - kudos to HBO, once again.
This is an un-romanticised view of the West - telling it like it was. A man of integrity might get justice in one way, but it will cost him dearly in another. From photography in washed out colours, to the slow burn build of events that means guns don't actually get used until late in the movie, this is set out to be both realistic and unflinching. This asks the question - Just what is the value of going vigilante? What is the real cost? Is getting the justice you ask for worth any price? And the wonderful (and certainly non -Hollywood) thing is, you are left to make up your own mind, there are no easy answers.
John Cusack is just terrific here - you might find it a stretch to see him in a Western, but he is utterly credible in a tough role. Miranda Otto as his wife is perfect casting, and in fact the whole supporting cast is spot on - except maybe some of the chief decision makers of the territory who are somewhat two dimensional. Enjoy John C. McGinley (Perry from `Scrubs') in a minor role, and John Goodman in a pivotal role - albeit only in the last third of the movie.
Music by Lennie Niehaus is similar but less minimalist than his score to Unforgiven, and adds in a wonderful way to the poignancy of the movie, along with some spectacular landscapes which crop up from time to time. I'm sure Dick Cusacks (john's dad) would be proud of the end result of his script, produced by his son.
Don't be put off by the fact this is a TV movie - it certainly rises way beyond its genesis to be something of a classic, born from the mould of `Unforgiven'. February 6, 2007

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