The Story:
Jack is born prematurely to his mother and father (Diane Lane and Brian Kerwin). They soon discover that he is growing at four times the normal rate, and before long he becomes—Robin Williams! Really. You know how movies starring Jim Carrey fall into two categories? The ones with parts that are WRITTEN for Jim Carrey, and the ones with parts that Jim Carrey is perfect for, and he always seems to be better in the latter? Jack seems to be a character written for Robin Williams, so he can be Robin Williams. More than being a ten-year-old in a forty-year-old's body, Jack appears to be Robin Williams acting out his childish ADHD anxieties. Jokes are based around Robin's extremely hairy body and knuckles—material he uses in his own comedy routines. And when Robin is supposed to be a pouting ten-year-old, he looks more like Mork when he has done something that is hurtful to an Earthling. But, despite all this, there's no denying Robin is extremely entertaining to watch, and adds tons to the charm of this movie.

Of course, the premise of the movie calls for the suspension of disbelief, and you'll need to just accept it for what it is. But sometimes, the script makes that hard. In the opening moments, when Diane Lane gives birth to Jack, her reaction and dialogue seems to suggest this is going to purposely BE a wacky film. Bill Cosby is strangely cast as Robin's psychologist, and some of his behaviors and actions are farfetched. Yet, the movie takes serious, poignant turns as Robin goes to school and is alienated by his much smaller classmates. And things get 'touching' when he is eventually embraced by them. And sad as he struggles with the fact that rapid aging can only mean one thing. The message of acceptance is obvious—and it sure is an optimistic look at the good within our children, because kids as caring as the ones in this movie are few and far between in reality.

The balance of emotions in the film make this a lighthearted delight when it comes right down to it. Robin's interactions with the talented cast of young kids is a load of fun. His interaction with adults is a little harder to swallow—he comes across more like Rainman then a ten-year-old boy. But he has an excellent cast to play off. Diane Lane is just beautiful in general, but in this film, she also nails the compassionate mother role. Jennifer Lopez is good at the sweet persona on screen, so she puts it to use once again in this movie as Robin's teacher. Bill Cosby, even when oddly cast, never fails to please, and Fran Drescher is a dead ringer for Fran Drescher. If you're not a fan, don't worry, she's not in the movie that much. She plays the single mother of one of Robin's little friends, who thinks Robin is an adult and tries to make a move on him. Personally, I'm a fan, so I appreciated having her—dare I say it?—style and flair in the film.

The DVD

Video:
The film is in a 1:85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, and enhanced for 16X9 televisions (I love that). However, there is some noise and transfer defects noticeable. Overall, the picture is good, nothing brilliant.

Sound:
Although the movie is presented in Dolby 5.1, there is never any impressive surround technology. Of course, it is a comedy/drama, and not exactly one of those genres where things are going to be exploding behind you.

Extras:
One thing I detest is extras that you are forced to endure. This is one of those DVDs that opens with advertisements for other DVDs. Blech. Other than that, you have the options of French or Spanish language tracks, and French subtitles (French is more widely spoken in America than Spanish? That's news to me). Also, there's a DVD-ROM extra—you can register your DVD with Hollywood Pictures! If you don't have a DVD-ROM drive on your computer, this isn't exactly going to be the make or break factor in getting one.

Final Thoughts:
Jack IS Robin Williams, and although he's playing himself instead of the ten-year-old boy who looks forty, he's still as entertaining as ever. And although this movie claims to be a comedy, it is just as much a heartstring tugging, sometimes sad film. It has a clear message of celebrating differences and treating people with compassion, and enough entertainment appeal for both children and adults. Definitely a good film for the whole family.