SlyGuy21 It's no surprise that Jack was a controversial figure, he had a different mindset from the majority of society in a time still shrouded in old superstition. You could call him a lot of things, (I know the media sure did) but I choose to call him an activist. I don't want to use the word "martyr" because to me that implies that he put himself on a pedestal. It's interesting how in the next 40 years or so, what Jack set into motion could be realized, if not at least advanced somewhat. I guess you could say this is one-sided, but to me, the only side is Jack's. I'm not saying that opposition to euthanasia is dumb or stupid or anything like that, but put yourself in these patient's shoes. Would you want to have constant pain as the result of an illness until you died? I wouldn't. Would you want to slowly forget everything you've ever known and loved, and then die? I wouldn't. I know that the opposition has it's roots based in religion and "playing God", but beings I don't believe in God, that argument isn't valid to me. The politics aside though, this movie is very well acted, very well shot, and a very good story, give it a try, it might even open your eyes or introduce you to a new viewpoint.

punishmentpark A biopic that is at times really hard to watch, but does an admirable job in telling things as they are - even if it is 'just' a movie. In America, this issue is still... an issue, in Holland... it also still is (pain, suffering and death will not be eradicated from life with a changing of the law, even if it may of course help considerably), since recently a doctor took his own life after euthanizing a patient under (alledged) suspicious circumstances and being investigated by a medical board. Still, the rules áre more humane here than in America, with exception of a few states (though it must be assisted suicide, not euthanasia, something which would be unthinkable in Holland). It can be made to be a difficult subject of debate, but here (in the film) the conditions for euthanasia are clear and, for instance, Kevorkian turns down about 97% of the requests and a man who is 'simply' depressed, is refused as well. Sure, he paints macabre paintings and he has a strong tendency to make life as difficult as possible for himself, but he has great wit and a tough history to overcome. I should say 'had', may he rest in peace.Back to the cinema. Al Pacino plays a captivating Dr. Kevorkian, and Vaccano, Goodman, Huston and Sarandon assist wonderfully. With its runtime well over two hours, it is no small feat that it does not bore for a minute; not only is this story interesting and challenging, but it is told with great care and calm and does not repeat itself at all. Every new case adds a new element to the story of Kevorkian's struggle for a basic civil right. Visually I really liked the film, too; sober and grayish, though it has atmosphere in spades.A good 8 out of 10.

Chadwick Ahn Al Pacino is great at what he does, and with age, he has only become better at his role as the defeated man of stubborn reasoning. Like in many of his previous films (such as The Son of No One and Insomnia), Al Pacino is the obvious highlight. His captivating acting and eccentric personas are enough to push ratings up a whole level. In the case of You Don't Know Jack, Al Pacino doesn't lift up a terrible movie to become bearable, but a good movie to become great. While the film may have very depressing tones (it's about assisted suicide after all), it doesn't mean that it lacks entertainment value in any way.Jack Kevorkian (Al Pacino) is nicknamed the "doctor of death" for his involvement in many assisted suicide cases. His sister (Brenda Vaccaro), Neal Nicol (John Goodman), Janet Good (Susan Sarandon), and his lawyer (Geoffrey Fieger), help him avoid the law as he aids people who are in too much pain to continue living. The film sends a strong, legal message about how people should have the right to choose whether or not they want to pull their own plug. The message gets you thinking about your own life and the people you care about, which easily makes the film a lot more of a personal experience than one might expect.The entertainment values that are to be expected from this TV film are along the lines of an educational journey and heart wrenching acting. Al Pacino sells his role very well, as if he himself is advocating for the rights. Also, his slight Midwestern accent is compelling to see. John Goodman's existence in the film relieves the overbearing darker moods and helps humanize Jack. The other supporting actors are all great additions to the cast as well.The story may take a while to develop, but if you stick it out, you are sure to learn a thing or two.

chaos-rampant This is a remarkable little movie in its odd way. You have a man who wanted to change the world for the better, a doctor. He had some reasonable but gnarly ideas, including blood transfusion from cadavers. He may not had been Galileo as perhaps in his moments of persecution felt some kinship to, but he did argue for reason and science and tried to make life better.The snag is that he had vision of a sort but he was the worst possible guy to explain to the world. No one would listen until he went out on his own and did it. And the only reason anyone listened was because he made films about it, filmed his patients. So how about this for a deeply cinematic subject?The point is that reason, facts or ideas, do not change the world. Being able to present it as part of an appealing story does.You'll see this in the film for a clear effect, in Kevorkian having sound ideas but no one is really willing to be convinced, since he presents them in such a morbid , confrontational way, until he pulls out his films. It is the emotional story in those films that moves the jurors, the theatrics of conscience on display.The film is the same theatrics offering the same cry. We are the jury.Al Pacino was just the right man for the job - playing a favorite part of aging actors, the frazzled old person, he nails the right balance between visionary flame in earnest and slumping human shell in his baggy pants. DeNiro would not manage, not anymore.