Janie Jones

This movie is about a down and out rock star who learns that he has a 13 year old daughter by a drug-addicted ex-groupie, whom, sadly, he doesn't remember. (The story has actually been done before in a terrible 1984 movie (the story line of which was suggested by 'Mick Jagger' (qv) entitled _Blame It on the Night (1984)_ (qv).) Fortunately, that's where the similarity ends as this is a much better film, with respect to both writing and acting. All performances are solid and credible and the viewer doesn't feel (at least as measured by the reaction of the audience at the Tribeca Film Festival) he wasted the price of admission. Ironically, the weakest part of the film is the music: the songs performed are so poor one wonders how the lead character could have become a rock sensation in the first place.

Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin), a 13 year-old girl is with her mother and they are off to meet her father. Except her mother (Elisabeth Shue) is a whore-like drug- addicted loser who's abandoning her daughter. And her father (Alessandro Nivola) is a fading rock-and-roll star who has no idea he has a daughter, let alone any intention of being a father to one. "Janie Jones" the film and each of the characters pick all the right notes.

It's a fairly subtle drama about a young girl who doesn't want to be left on her own but knows how to take care of herself; and a father who doesn't seem to have the first clue about how to take care of himself, but with the arrival of Janie, he might try for her sake. Similar movies have been done before, but this one is a bit more subtle in their actions even if the plot points are the same. I whole-heartedly enjoyed each of the choices they made to the move the film along.

Ethan, the father, is a rock singer desperate to cling on to the notoriety that comes with being a band leader. As you can guess, his career isn't going so well. One of the excellent elements of the film was choosing softer, folk songs when he's actually playing music for us, or for his daughter. And, even better, it really is Nivola playing the guitar. A talented musician, he was in bands throughout high school and university.

More excellent choices were made in the casting and characterizations. Brittany Snow has managed to stay just in the shadows of the Hollywood spotlight her whole career despite her cute, blonde looks. I'm assuming that has something do with the fact that even though she is a cute blonde, either her characters have had a dark side or the films have had a dark side. I've always admired that about her. This marks the first time she's not playing a teenager. And her character, named Iris, who appears to be a whore-like drug-addicted loser on the arm of Ethan, isn't exactly as she appears to be. Frank Whaley, playing Ethan's band-mate, steals the few scenes he's in by adding some touching comedy to the drama.

Nivola and Breslin are the stars and despite their age and background differences, they never went over-the-top around each other. They both played their characters with the subtlety required. The scenes of just the two of them were cute but never showy; they held our hearts the whole way. I've always loved Nivola and have appreciated everything he has done. Breslin has made the right choice by returning to her indie roots, showing how she has matured and keeping the comedy in check.

"Janie Jones" has flown under the radar, I'm assuming because it has chosen quieter tones, but they are the right ones.

Janie Jones follows the story of a 13-year-old girl whose mother abandons her after taking her to meet her father for the first time. Her father is a fading rock-and-roll star who has no idea he has a daughter, let alone any intention of being a father to one. He is told if he doesn't take her, she will be placed in foster care. So Janie Jones is a film about Janie and her dad figuring out their life together.

I had never heard of this film before, but I must say while it's not a perfect film I really enjoyed it. The acting is excellent, and the situations the characters find themselves in are believable. Abigail Breslin stole the as Janie Jones. Brittany Snow also has a small part in this film as Iris. I really wish that she had a bigger part as I feel like that character( And Brittany's acting) could have really added to the overall film. However, I understand the movie was about a father losing everything and, in the process, finding out that his daughter is what really matters. So it makes sense that she isn't in it that much. With that said, I would highly recommend this movie if you need an emotional pick me up.

The lead character is excellent in this movie. I thought she was a very sweet young girl with a lovely singing voice too. They could have developed her character more, but then it probably would have overpowered the other characters in this ensemble movie. I liked it, even though it started out rather slow.

Like another reviewer, I too think there could be a good sequel set 'five years later'. Enjoyable, 'almost' family movie, not quite... too much pot smoking.

Elizabeth Shue must have had some money invested in this movie, because she didn't have a big part. It was almost like a 'pilot' for a TV series, actually. I loved it when the girl says she learned how to bail out her dad by watching "Dog the Bounty Hunter",

Very well acted and solid story line. Actors worked very well together with believable emotion.well directed...flowed well Breslin was exceptional Story believable Good locations Interesting sequences Strong emotions Great music Solid singing Connects with audience...will go to see it again. I will encourage others to go see also. Music flowed very well in the story line. Janie Jones character could have more negative qualities to make her more believable. Movie will be popular with multiple age segments. Girls under 18 will connect with the main character easily. Sequel might be interesting to see how Janie Jones character grows up. I plan to take family members to the film. Goos family picture. Sound track should be popular especially with teen girls.