Seen at...
Jack & Yaya
- Director: Jen Bagley; Mary Hewey
- Producer: Jen Bagley; Mary Hewey
CGiii Comment
All this film needed was a ruthless, unsentimental editor...who could thrash out the story and leave all the clutter on the cutting room's floor.
It's a shame...because, there is a great story here. A life-time of friendship told [and led] in transition. Absolutely fascinating, it most certainly is. Considering that most trans stories are remarkably similar and familiar...this has that something extra...and, too much more!
There is a cacophonous scene showing these families watching the Superbowl...why? What was that scene with Jack's grandfather and the gun all about? Good grief, Jack's gonna inherit a gun! Woopee!
Look...this is transition without the any bells or whistles, these are ordinary working folks...family is everything, money is scarce. The filmmakers certainly make no bones about showing how 'ordinary' these families are.
More focus on the subjects would have propelled their stories into memory...alas, the irrelevance relegates this into the once-seen-quickly forgotten brigade.
Shame...such a great story.
Trailer...
Jack & Yaya Trailer from Wilmarth Gertie on Vimeo.
The(ir) Blurb...
Best friends Jack and Yaya celebrate their 30th year of friendship in their hometown in South Jersey alongside a motley crew of extended family and neighbors. While they party and reminisce, Jack and Yaya support each other as they both fight for acceptance as openly trans people.