Cast
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Whoopi Goldberg
as Terry Dolittle
Stephen Collins
as Marty Phillips
John Wood
as Jeremy Talbott
Carol Kane
as Cynthia
Annie Potts
as Liz Carlson
Peter Michael Goetz
as Mr. Page
Roscoe Lee Browne
as Archer Lincoln
Sara Botsford
as Lady Sarah Billings
Jeroen Krabbé
as Mark Van Meter
Vyto Ruginis
as Carl
Jonathan Pryce
as Jack
Tony Hendra
as Hunter
Jon Lovitz
as Doug
Phil Hartman
as Fred
Lynne Marie Stewart
as Karen
Crew
Director
- Penny Marshall
Producer
- Joel Silver
- Lawrence Gordon
Reviews
John Chard
Are you on some kind of medication?
It was a production beset with problems, a change of director (Penny Marshall replacing the jettisoned Howard Zieff) and enough script writers used to fill out a hockey team. So it's unsurprising to find that Jumpin' Jack Flash is a bit muddled, not fully formed as it were.
Plot finds Whoopi Goldberg as a computer programmer thrust into a world of espionage when a plea for help appears on her monitor. Cue Whoopi following instructions from a guy claiming to be trapped in Eastern Europe, which of course leads to a number of fun scenes as she bluffs her way around the crooked underworld she now finds herself in. Will she stay alive long enough? Who are the undercover guys? Is the mysterious man on the computer screen really all he proclaims to be?
It will all be answered in rank and file 1980s action comedy time, which as it happens is OK here because Goldberg is a good enough comedy actress to hold the attention. Nothing remotely smart or genre defining exists, but it's a fun snapshot of the burgeoning computer age in the 80s and it's a good time waster if stuck for something light to watch one night. 6/10
Jan 2, 2019
Thematic Analysis
Jumpin' Jack Flash represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Penny Marshall brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jumpin' Jack Flash took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 433 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jumpin' Jack Flash shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tootsie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Jumpin' Jack Flash offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Wild Chicks and Life and Fulltime Killer explore similar territory, Jumpin' Jack Flash stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 9, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $29,844,101
