This movie wastes no time, coming right out of the gate with a quip about healthcare in the United States that includes a then-current reference and which sadly continues to be very relevant. From there we're treated to plentiful, lighthearted situational comedy and abundant sight gags to gently keep the film moving along. 'Dr. Jack' is a title where warm, big-hearted amusement is more important than slight narrative, so even as there's a concrete story, these sixty minutes are more than anything a patchwork quilt of small scenes filled with such levity. And that, truly, is all it needs to be, because this is a joy!
Harold Lloyd was unquestionably one of the great comedic stars of early cinema, and his sweet, innocent "Glasses" character in particular could very dexterously be adapted to fit most any scenario. While some of his other films relied more immediately on energetic physical comedy, we still get our fill here. Furthermore, the broad pleasant feel-good vibes of 'Dr. Jack' nonetheless illustrate once again why Lloyd's name gets mentioned in the same breath as those of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Moreover, those that share the screen with him very ably complement the style, and as this title finds Lloyd working with several regular collaborators on both sides of the camera, the viewer can rest assured that the entertainment is as solid as it has been elsewhere in his career.
Exemplary, thoughtful writing and capable performances are matched with sharp editing, keen direction, and terrific production design and art direction. Yes, pictures of the 1920s are a far cry from what audiences are accustomed to in 2022, but the excellence of the craft well exceeds those limitations we recognize in retrospect. More to the point, older films like 'Dr. Jack' boast immense heart and earnestness that it too often seems has been forgotten in subsequent decades. The end result of it all is a viewing experience that is brilliant and funny from start to finish, but which also never forgets the good-natured soulfulness that lies at its core.
I know some viewers struggle with silent films for one reason or another, and there was a time when I did, too. With that said - to be honest, 'Dr. Jack' is such a tremendously fun, uplifting movie that I think it earns a blanket recommendation. Even those who don't generally watch older features may nevertheless find this to their liking, and for cinephiles who already appreciate all that the medium has to offer, this is basically flawless. Relatively few are those productions that can truly be enjoyed by all ages, and the cleverness and intelligence bursting through this one mark it as a must-see classic that even hard-boiled cynics could surely admire. No matter how you need to go about it, 'Dr. Jack' is well worth seeking out, and this is one of the best hours you could spend watching a movie.
Harold Lloyd was unquestionably one of the great comedic stars of early cinema, and his sweet, innocent "Glasses" character in particular could very dexterously be adapted to fit most any scenario. While some of his other films relied more immediately on energetic physical comedy, we still get our fill here. Furthermore, the broad pleasant feel-good vibes of 'Dr. Jack' nonetheless illustrate once again why Lloyd's name gets mentioned in the same breath as those of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Moreover, those that share the screen with him very ably complement the style, and as this title finds Lloyd working with several regular collaborators on both sides of the camera, the viewer can rest assured that the entertainment is as solid as it has been elsewhere in his career.
Exemplary, thoughtful writing and capable performances are matched with sharp editing, keen direction, and terrific production design and art direction. Yes, pictures of the 1920s are a far cry from what audiences are accustomed to in 2022, but the excellence of the craft well exceeds those limitations we recognize in retrospect. More to the point, older films like 'Dr. Jack' boast immense heart and earnestness that it too often seems has been forgotten in subsequent decades. The end result of it all is a viewing experience that is brilliant and funny from start to finish, but which also never forgets the good-natured soulfulness that lies at its core.
I know some viewers struggle with silent films for one reason or another, and there was a time when I did, too. With that said - to be honest, 'Dr. Jack' is such a tremendously fun, uplifting movie that I think it earns a blanket recommendation. Even those who don't generally watch older features may nevertheless find this to their liking, and for cinephiles who already appreciate all that the medium has to offer, this is basically flawless. Relatively few are those productions that can truly be enjoyed by all ages, and the cleverness and intelligence bursting through this one mark it as a must-see classic that even hard-boiled cynics could surely admire. No matter how you need to go about it, 'Dr. Jack' is well worth seeking out, and this is one of the best hours you could spend watching a movie.