WHO DECIDES WHO GETS A SECOND CHANCE?
Just released from prison and given a new identity, Jack Burridge (Andrew Garfield) tries to adapt to a society he knows little about… as well as trying to cope with the nightmarish memories of his crime. Allegedly based on the 1993 Jamie Bulger case, Jonathan Trigell’s novel was turned into this gripping TV movie that approaches a difficult subject. When children commit a horrible crime, what should their life look like on the day when they are released from prison as adults? Garfield is excellent as the young man with a new identity, always on edge. The filmmakers tell their sensitive story with great skill, revealing “Jack’s” great sin in measured flashbacks.
2007-Britain. 106 min. Color. Produced by Tally Garner, Lynn Horsford, Nick Marston. Directed by John Crowley. Teleplay: Mark O’Rowe. Novel: Jonathan Trigell. Cast: Andrew Garfield (Jack Burridge), Peter Mullan (Terry), Katie Lyons (Michelle), Shaun Evans, Jeremy Swift, Alfie Owen.
Trivia: Released to theaters shortly after its TV premiere. Garfield’s first film performance.
Last word: “I had seen [Garfield] in a play at the National Theatre called ‘Chatroom’, so I knew he was an exceptional young actor. We went to do auditions in London and saw loads of young kids, including all the hot young stage and TV actors. Andrew was in LA making ‘Lions for Lambs’ for Robert Redford at the time, so he put himself on tape as Jack. Once we saw it, it was an open and shut case.” (Crowley, Indiewire)
ABOVE AVERAGE