JACK HAS A PLAN
(director/writer: Bradley Berman; cinematographer: Bradley Berman; editor: Bradley Berman/Quinn Costello/Byron W. Thompson; music: ; cast: Jennifer Cariño, Adalia Cariño, Ralf Cariño, Jonathan Lemon, Torrie Fields, Sharon Franks, Jack Ferrell, Jack Tuller; Runtime: 73; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Chris Metzler; ; 2022)
“Films such as this one can help change things in the country for the betterif they can reach a wide audience.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
A hot issue documentary on the right of choosing when to die, that explores California’s 2016 California End of Life Options Act. Director Bradley Berman (“Nat Bates For Mayor”) tells the story about his musician San Francisco-dwelling friend Jack Tuller, who 25 years ago, in 1994, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and given six months to live. But he survives after going through a number of surgeries and goes on to have a gratifying musical career.
The film begins 25 years later with the now 55-year-old still alive but dealing with a worsening condition (the tumor has grown back and he has uncontrollable seizures) that has all but debilitated him. Tuller realizes he’s dying and schemes to throw himself a party before departing, as he quits his job and makes his final life plans. He’s determined to do it even if his wife Jennifer Cariño, family and Berman object. But Tuller with conviction convinces all doubters he knows what he’s doing.
I’m a supporter of legalizing the assisted suicide program and believe it’s the person’s right to take his life if the circumstances warrant it.
We follow Tuller before his plan kicks in, as he repairs his estranged relationship with his mother (who falsely told him his dad was killed in a car accident, as he tries to now track down his father) and we see flashes of his amazing life.
This is a poignant film that firmly makes the case why the California End of Life Options Act is a progressive act and if enacted across the country will only promote the quality of life and stop such unnecessary suffering over hopeless medical issues. When I look at the Pro-Life people opposed to this and see how arbitrary and narrow-minded are the reasons for their rigidity, I’m further resolute in my position.
Thank you Mr. Berman. Films such as this one can help change things in the country for the better if they can reach a wide audience.
It played at the Florida Film Festival
REVIEWED ON 7/1/2022 GRADE: A