Watch Kids' Reviews of
JACK GETS EVEN

What to know: I like that the story portrays a concept relative to real-life.
JACK GETS EVEN is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
Recommended age 8-18
10 minutes
VIDEO
TONY SILVA
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JACK GETS EVEN cover image
I enjoyed watching the short film, Jack Gets Even. It's well made, with smooth editing, and a decent music-to-dialogue balance. In addition, it has an important message.

The storyline follows a young homeless boy named Jack (Elijah Silva) who is trying to survive by making money panhandling on the side of the road. When he gets pressured away from his spot by a woman (Milena Saboya) who claims to be homeless, he follows her and discovers that she is not who she said she was.

I like that the story portrays a concept relative to real-life. There are times when people are in unfortunate situations where they go to extreme lengths to survive - like Jack panhandling for money. There are also times when people are deceitful to benefit themselves, like the woman in this film. The camera work is pretty good. It gets shaky at some points, such as when the camera follows Jack into the bushes. However, the actors are always in frame, so it doesn't detract from the story. There are various close-ups that show the dirt on Jack as well as the word "burger" which emphasizes the main points of his character. Jack's attire contributes to the idea of him being homeless and poor, because they are baggy, ripped, and dirty. Seeing the woman transition to a nice car and a beautiful house is important and relevant to the story because it shows how deceitful the woman is, and shows the difference between Jack's life and the woman's. The background music works well with slow, solemn music is when Jack is dealing with rejection and denial. The music enhances the impact on the viewers' emotions. The music gets louder and more aggressive when Jack gets into the deceitful woman's car. It is rock'n'roll with an upbeat tone, differentiating her situation from Jack's.

Jack is the main character, and also the standout of this film. Although he is young, he non-verbally portrays his desire for a better life, and his disappointment when he is turned down. His behavior when he tricks the woman into getting into her car is cleverly executed. The fake homeless woman's behavior wasn't quite as believable, but we still get the message. When she demands that Jack leave her spot, she could be more stern and dedicated to her story. Stacy (Bella Basoco) doesn't play a major role, but her youth and personality makes her an enjoyable acting partner for Jack. Tony C. Silva deserves props as both the writer and director. My favorite part of the film is when Stacy helps Elijah when he comes into the house, by giving him food, money, and a friend. It shows that, even though Stacy's mom is secretly a bad person, Stacy knows in her heart that helping him is the kind thing to do.

The film's message is that things aren't always what they seem. Though the woman seemed like she was homeless at first, Jack quickly discovers that she is deceitful, and is more fortunate than she lets on.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!

I enjoyed watching the short film, Jack Gets Even. It's well made, with smooth editing, and a decent music-to-dialogue balance. In addition, it has an important message.

The storyline follows a young homeless boy named Jack (Elijah Silva) who is trying to survive by making money panhandling on the side of the road. When he gets pressured away from his spot by a woman (Milena Saboya) who claims to be homeless, he follows her and discovers that she is not who she said she was.

I like that the story portrays a concept relative to real-life. There are times when people are in unfortunate situations where they go to extreme lengths to survive - like Jack panhandling for money. There are also times when people are deceitful to benefit themselves, like the woman in this film. The camera work is pretty good. It gets shaky at some points, such as when the camera follows Jack into the bushes. However, the actors are always in frame, so it doesn't detract from the story. There are various close-ups that show the dirt on Jack as well as the word "burger" which emphasizes the main points of his character. Jack's attire contributes to the idea of him being homeless and poor, because they are baggy, ripped, and dirty. Seeing the woman transition to a nice car and a beautiful house is important and relevant to the story because it shows how deceitful the woman is, and shows the difference between Jack's life and the woman's. The background music works well with slow, solemn music is when Jack is dealing with rejection and denial. The music enhances the impact on the viewers' emotions. The music gets louder and more aggressive when Jack gets into the deceitful woman's car. It is rock'n'roll with an upbeat tone, differentiating her situation from Jack's.

Jack is the main character, and also the standout of this film. Although he is young, he non-verbally portrays his desire for a better life, and his disappointment when he is turned down. His behavior when he tricks the woman into getting into her car is cleverly executed. The fake homeless woman's behavior wasn't quite as believable, but we still get the message. When she demands that Jack leave her spot, she could be more stern and dedicated to her story. Stacy (Bella Basoco) doesn't play a major role, but her youth and personality makes her an enjoyable acting partner for Jack. Tony C. Silva deserves props as both the writer and director. My favorite part of the film is when Stacy helps Elijah when he comes into the house, by giving him food, money, and a friend. It shows that, even though Stacy's mom is secretly a bad person, Stacy knows in her heart that helping him is the kind thing to do.

The film's message is that things aren't always what they seem. Though the woman seemed like she was homeless at first, Jack quickly discovers that she is deceitful, and is more fortunate than she lets on.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!

A panhandling homeless boy gets suspicious when he is kicked out of his corner by a fake homeless woman.
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