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Customer Reviews of The Jack Bull

holds on and never lets go
Originally produced and released by HBO for TV release, this movie could have easily been theatrically released from the quality filmaking found in this movie. But if it was released in theatres, it would have had to compromise its integrity to please a larger fan base. Dick Cusack wrote and produced this movie (Dick is John's father) so we can see where his son gets his incrediable taste and acting talent from. Directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, War Games), this is easily his best directing job in decades.

What does the title "Jack Bull" mean and what kind of movie would have such a strange handle? "Jack Bull" is the title of a Jack Bull terrier, famous for never letting go once it decides to fight. That describes Myrl Redding (John Cusack) perfectly. A hard headed horse breeder that just wants a quiet life amongst the range, or what's left off it with his son and wife. The tyranny of Henry Ballad (L.Q. Jones) stands in his way however. Henry likes to reign his power and influence over people, but he can't control Meryl Redding. Meryl makes it known that he can't be influenced by any man under God. Henry cheats and double crosses Meryl at ever turn, but goes to far when he unfairly claims Meryl's prize stallion as a road tax and shows them cruel and unsual treatment and harms Meryl's Indian friend (Rodney A. Grant) for trying to protect the animals. This starts a crusade for uncompromising justice that Meryl will sacrifice anything for, even his own life if necessary. He sells his stead to raise a vigilante that will stop at nothing until Henry Ballad grooms and repairs Redding's horses to their original condition. As expected this creates a showdown, two strong willed men, one with the law in his pocket, the other with a will of steel. Will Meryl's crusade for justice cost him all he cherishes, or does sticking up for what you believe in worth giving up your life for?

This movie covers many issues seldom covered in most Western movies. It delves into the physche of strong men...men who don't bend for the laws of men but respond to the call of a higher order. The acting in this movie is superb (except for the charicture performance of a judge given by John Goodman) and never have I seen John's acting in finer form. What I love most about this movie as a viewer is that the writers don't make Meryl out to be some shining, stirring hero. He's just a regular guy who's been pushed to far and will not compromise his honor. I admire this character, especially since it's based on a real life occurance. I can't say this movie has a happy ending because then my opinion on this movie would be that it was decent, but not amazing. Life doesn't always have happy endings, but those who live their life to the highest ideals and aren't afraid of what it costs them are the stuff true heros are made of. Bravo to "Jack Bull" which I gladly give a 5 out of 5 as a lover of true movie craftsmenship.

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Cusack's Lesson of a Lifetime
It is extraordinarily difficult to instill principles into a human soul, and I truly believe that, for Hollywood to accomplish this, the movie must sincerely be great. This film is just that. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it's the best movie I have ever laid eyes on. The atmosphere that John Cusack creates around his character Myrl Redding takes my breath away. Myrl's justifiable audacity and unstoppable character renewed my own sense of the truths I was taught under my family. This movie reminded me that deep down it's not the tangible things we should fight for, it's the abstract ideas of truth and right. Those are the most vital concepts we need to learn. I was tremendously impressed with all involved but especially with Cusack. I was not surprised at his greatness as an artist in this because I have come to expect nothing less from him. I never walk away from his movies unsatisfied with his ability as an actor to believably portray his characters. But he took my level of respect for him (which was already high) to a new level. He is obviously by far the best actor in Hollywood, and I only hope that he continues with pieces that challenge the mind and heart as this one has done. Do NOT miss this film!!

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Good but Lacking
If your looking for a realistic western than this is the best you can do. No epic bloodshed(as with spaghetti westerns)and no overly macho heroes(typical american westerns). This film is about and is based on a true story and its one of the only movies I know of that doesnt take its "artistic license" too far. This movie keeps its realistic edge while still managing to entertain. That being said, its also a sad movie that leaves you with an empty used feeling at the end. Watching a movie and feeling worse than you did when starting it is in my opinion the mark of a film that has too much of a downward slope. Anyways do not highly reccomend to anybody unless they want a realistic movie that will make you feel sad and used.