Watch King Jack

King Jack is a coming-of-age indie drama that tells the story of a shy and introverted 15-year-old boy named Jack, who has to fend for himself during a long summer weekend in a small town in upstate New York. The film premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival and was directed by Felix Thompson, in collaboration with producers Gabrielle Nadig and Dominic Buchanan.

Charlie Plummer stars as Jack, a troubled teen who lives with his single mother and younger brother in a rundown house in a not-so-great neighborhood. Jack is constantly bullied by his older cousin, Shane (played by Christian Madsen), who is a tough and aggressive delinquent with a criminal record. Shane and his friends terrorize Jack and his friends, steal their bikes, and vandalize their property for fun. Jack's only escape is through his imagination, where he dreams of being a medieval knight and saving the princess from danger.

One day, Jack is tasked with taking care of his young cousin, Ben (played by Cory Nichols), while his mom goes out of town for the weekend. Ben is a quirky and energetic kid who likes to play games and tell stories, which annoys Jack at first. However, as they spend more time together, Jack begins to realize that Ben is not as helpless as he seems and that he can be a valuable ally in his battles against Shane and his gang.

As the weekend progresses, Jack and Ben embark on a series of adventures that test their courage, loyalty, and friendship. They go fishing, explore the woods, and meet some new people, including a girl named Harriet (played by Erin Davie), who Jack has a crush on. However, their fun is interrupted by Shane and his friends, who show up at Jack's house and threaten to hurt him and Ben if they don't do their bidding.

King Jack is a gripping and emotional film that captures the essence of adolescence in a raw and authentic way. The film deals with themes of family, violence, love, and identity, and shows how young people can cope with difficult situations and find strength in their own resilience. The performances of the cast are superb, especially Charlie Plummer, who gives a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a boy struggling to find his place in the world.

The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy, as it captures the beauty and simplicity of the rural landscape, the contrast between light and shadow, and the intimacy of the characters' interactions. The music, composed by Bryan Senti, adds a melancholic and dreamy tone to the film, evoking the longing and nostalgia of adolescence.

Overall, King Jack is a highly recommended film for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age dramas, independent cinema, or good storytelling. It is a powerful reminder of how young people can face their fears and overcome adversity with determination and hope.

King Jack is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 72.