Just Jim

At 24, Craig Roberts does it all...

An obvious talent...that was allowed to run [erratically] unchecked.

There's a geeky kid called Jim and a 'cool' neighbour called Dean...and if that's not enough of a clue, throw in a red jacket, blue jeans and a white T-shirt...yes, this about rebellious youth! Lesson one, Mr Roberts...do not insult your audience.

Some people - quite rightly - would argue that Roberts has stolen ideas rather than borrowed inspiration...from a raft of other films. Call it homage...or, larceny. Same thing, really.

But, it doesn't get away from the fact that the film is in three distinct parts...good, weak and plain old...bad.

The good: everything before the arrival of Hirsch (although he does the character proud), there is neither rhyme nor reason as to his existence...Just Jim started out as a wry, observational comedy about loneliness and bullying...with glimmers of brilliance.

However...that all changed with Jim's metamorphosis into cool kid - aided and abetted by Dean, a tattoo and an earring (oh, and the garb) - followed by and floundered with a rather rapid detour into darkness (aka... puerile nonsense).

Lesson two, Mr Roberts...do not insult your audience.

The other goods: cinematography, editing and the soundtrack (luscious).

The bads: The parents. The underwater stuff. The flatulent final third. 

Besides all that...there is no gay content to speak of...possibly, a hint of subtext...but that's just stretching it a bit too far...

The same can be said of the film...Roberts took the whole thing too far until it snapped...correction: collapsed.

An obvious talent...infuriatingly out-of-control.

Trailer...