The fact that this sequel to Chinatown took so long to appear perhaps indicates that some things are not meant to be. Originally scheduled for production in the mid-1980s, it was delayed by a major fall out between the principal cast/crew which resulted in lawsuits. It's a mark of the hold this project had over Jack Nicholson that he was able to revive it a few years later as both director and star.
The Two Jakes features a similarly murky and twisted plot as it's predecessor, but sadly none of Chinatown's vitality and inspiration. Nicholson has assembled a fine cast and the film contains good performances which are undermined by the lack of any real narrative drive. Chinatown built to a superb climax, but this film simply fizzles out. As for Jack, the strain of directing and starring took it's toll and he looks tired onscreen.
The Two Jakes reminds me of the The Godfather Part III, in that both were belated sequels to classic films from the 1970s. Neither were able to recapture the magic.
The Two Jakes features a similarly murky and twisted plot as it's predecessor, but sadly none of Chinatown's vitality and inspiration. Nicholson has assembled a fine cast and the film contains good performances which are undermined by the lack of any real narrative drive. Chinatown built to a superb climax, but this film simply fizzles out. As for Jack, the strain of directing and starring took it's toll and he looks tired onscreen.
The Two Jakes reminds me of the The Godfather Part III, in that both were belated sequels to classic films from the 1970s. Neither were able to recapture the magic.
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