You Don't Know Jack

2009 NR 2h 14m DVD

You Don't Know Jack

2009 NR 2h 14m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
Al Pacino stars in this Emmy-winning biopic that focuses on the life of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the controversial physician who boldly advocated the legalization of euthanasia and personally helped more than 100 terminally ill patients commit suicide. Directed by Hollywood veteran Barry Levinson, the made-for-cable drama also stars Susan Sarandon as vocal activist Janet Good and John Goodman as Kevorkian's trusted friend and supporter Neal Nicol.
Cast
Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon, Danny Huston, Brenda Vaccaro, John Goodman, Delaney Williams, Eric Lange, Allen Lewis Rickman, Adam Mucci, Peter Conboy, James Urbaniak, Jeremy Bobb
Director
Barry Levinson
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen 2.76:1
Subtitles
English, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
NR - Not rated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.
age 15+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 15+

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age 15+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that You Don't Know Jack is a biopic about the controversial Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who made headlines in the 1990s for advocating doctor-assisted suicides in the case of extreme pain and suffering. This is strong material, and the movie makes a passionate, logical argument for Kevorkian as a kind of forward-thinking hero, while at the same time not giving much voice to his opponents. Language is strong ("f--k" and "s--t"), and there are some disturbing images of suffering and death. Parents should be prepared to share their views with their teens on this hot-button issue.

Sexual Content

A secondary character mentions "that time he spent with two nurses."

Violence

Characters engage in passionate, heated arguments and shouting matches from time to time. We also see disturbing imagery of suffering people, including a burn victim, in hospitals. There are mentions of suicide, and some of Dr. Kevorkian's assisted suicides are shown. Jack also pricks his finger to get a bit of blood to use for his paintings.

Language

Jack does not swear, but Jack's lawyer frequently does, including more than one use of "f--k" and "s--t," plus "for Christ's sake," "for God's sake," "piss," "ass," "hell," and "crap."

Social Behavior

The movie is clearly on Dr. Kevorkian's side and advocates the use of doctor-assisted suicide in the case of patients with extreme pain and suffering. The opponents of this concept are not given much of a voice in the film; they come across as ignorant and immoral villains. However, the opponents eventually win and Dr. Kevorkian goes to jail. If you agree with the film's perspective, there's still a long road ahead, but if you disagree, it ends on a small victory.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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