The Two Jakes

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Carlos I As a sequel to the neo-noir classic Chinatown, The Two Jakes is decent enough, with Jack Nicholson returning to direct and star as J.J. Gittes, who finds himself entangled in a new web of deceit and double-crosses years later. However, the film overall proves to be rather dull, spending too much time unraveling its complex plot and delivering exposition, ultimately lacking the sharp, cynical bite and surprising twists that made its predecessor so compelling and memorable. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/20/25 Full Review Tobias C A solid LA Noir that is very satisfying for the slow-burn thriller fan. Its biggest problem is that it didn't step out of the grand shadow of Chinatown and match the broadly dispersed mystery which tied in more seemingly unrelated angles into its final tragic ending. On its own, The Two Jakes is great for any mystery lover. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/15/25 Full Review Blu B Further proof that unneeded sequels to masterpieces are not a 21st Century only phenom. For what it's worth this is half decently made all around with good direction from Jack. The biggest problem is of course this has no reason to exist. Chinatown was not begging for a sequel, prequel, spinoff, or TV mini series tieing in the sequel. But beyond that there is way too many characters involved in this. The only equalizing factor is we do stay on Jake the entire time so it's focused but not terribly jumpy. If this woud've jumped between other characters constantly it would've pancaked on itself. If there is one thing this does capture from the original is the slow burn deliberate pacing. It still is very hard to keep track of the love triangle, the double/triple crosses, the oil, than the ways it tries tying this to the original. If anything the forced way it tries tying this to the first is what didn't need to be in this. Also, there is a lack of character development for Jake of any kind. The mystery is interesting even when it's hard to keep track of and a big part is because of the production value and direction by Jack to his credit. But where we end up just feels like a big nothing burger despite a interesting trip there. It does have all the trademarks of a Neo Noir still. I will say the dialouge isn't bad but could've defintely been better. I did like the sunset like aura this has running throughout it also. But beyond that it mimics the messaging of the first with exploration of the rot under all that beautiful LA soaked golden hour. But we've been here, done that, and done it better. And this leaves a lot to be desired despite being above average. If your a die fan of Jack or want to see a very interesting deep cut Neo Noir tidbit maybe watch this but most could skip it and continue like most to not even be aware this exists. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/11/25 Full Review Wirmer F a very good movie, if you see it as a stand alone or an installment rather than a sequel. it would have been nice to have the planned, but ultimately cancelled, 3rd installment, all these years later. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/07/25 Full Review Brad S. R A serviceable, though ultimately unnecessary sequel to a noir classic. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review E S boring.....boring........i have to add characters or they won't publish this. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/08/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The Two Jakes

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