Cast
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Dan Haggerty
as Jake
Dana Bentley
as Jenny
Robert Axelrod
as King
Steve Hansbourgh
as Jam
Paul Hayes
as Bulldog
Walter Cox
as Lippy
R.J. Walker
as Waldo
Carmen Filpi
as Amos
Joe Garcia
as Skidmark
Delores Nascar
as Krott
Jacklyn Palmer
as Porn Gal
Jimmy Williams
as Porn Director
Steve Wilcox
as Blondie
James Hurd
as Leon
Leslie Horan
as Lea
Crew
Director
- Joseph Merhi
Writer
- Joe Hart
Producer
- Joseph Merhi
- Richard Pepin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Repo Jake distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Joseph Merhi 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 1990, 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 Repo Jake took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Repo Jake shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Quantum Cowboys, which focuses more on action than character development, Repo Jake subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Repo Men and Broken Knuckles explore similar territory, Repo Jake stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch
