Jack MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

Robin Williams' zany personality transfers very convincingly to the role of Jack, a 10-year-old with a 40-year-old body. Jack was born when his mother was only two months pregnant now that's a real phenomenon! The bouncing baby boy was fully developed and continued to grow at four times the rate of normal people. His wealthy parents protect their beloved heir from ridicule by isolating him from other children. Jack's tutor (Bill Cosby) insists that Jack is extremely lonely and needs to attend public school. Jack's classmates taunt him unmercifully, but gradually they discover what a good-natured, fun-loving boy he really is. One of the film's funniest scenes takes place when awkward, over-sized Jack is invited into the neighborhood boys' treehouse. Eventually, however, Jack realizes that when he is 25 years old, his body will be that of a 100-year-old. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Jack replies, Alive. His tutor tells Jack he is like a shooting star whose beauty and brilliance, though short-lived, is far superior to regular stars. JACK offers plenty of laughs, but touches on some life and death issues that young children won't grasp.

One of the film's most commendable features is the positive adult role models in Jack's life. His parents are portrayed as intelligent and loving, offering support through some very rough times. Also, both his private tutor and classroom teacher encourage their delightful but unusual student. Still, the boys' utter absorption with passing gas seems exaggerated. When Jack invites his tutor to the treehouse, the teacher relates to the 10-year-olds on their level, joining in the crude bathroom humor. The boys also discuss some sexual matters and Jack buys girlie magazines for them in adult bookstores. The divorced mother of Jack's best friend thinks Jack is the principal and flirts suggestively with him. Later, Jack meets her in a nightclub and some groping and kissing takes place in a scene intended to be comical. There is no sex or nudity, although the friend's mother, played by TV's Fran Drescher, wears low-cut dresses. Surprisingly for a PG-13 film, JACK has no obscenities, but many crude words and some profanities are heard. Because of the crude humor and sexually suggestive content, plus regular profanity, this life-affirming, clever film does not earn a positive acceptability rating.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521