Rating: 
Summary: If Chinatown was a classic, this is merely a great film.
Review: "The Two Jakes"Most reviews pull Jack Nicholson's directorial debut to pieces, except for a very well-considered one by Roger Ebert (find it at the Chicago Sun-Times). Of course, it's not Chinatown. Instead it's a wonderful film that had the misfortune of being a sequel to a classic film. It's about the past, how it pervades our lives for the rest of our days, and how we incorporate it into our futures. Many have complained that the film is convoluted, that when the key revelation comes (I ain't givin' that away) you miss the impact of it. I strongly disagree with this. I for one had actually figured out the revelation before it happened - this didn't bother me because I wanted so much for it to be what I had thought it was going to be. And when it comes, it's so subtle you could almost be forgiven for missing it. It's lovely, so comforting, and very ironic. All I'll say is, pay attention to the scene where Jake (Nicholson) goes to see Kahn (the unmistakable James Hong). "Something about the flowers..." The Two Jakes is subtle, well-crafted, and when all is revealed, so very simple. The 'convoluted' events in the plot serve to illustrate what a single, simple desire can cause. Just watch it. Bear in mind the events and characters from Chinatown, but only so that you have a backstory for these characters and not a standard to which they should be compared. And if you get this movie, "It never goes away..."
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT FILM IN ITS OWN RIGHT
Review: "Two Jakes" is no Polanski treat, yet it is somewhat unjustly compared to its epic predecessor ("Chinatown"). Watch the movie in its own right, and you will be amazed. Chinatown had a trademark Polanski stamp in its fluid narrative and its clever unfurling of clues (just in time for an emotionally explosive denouement) but that is precisely where "Two Jakes" errs. The plot is quite suspenseful but a trifle convoluted. Characters are more deeply examined. If you enjoy intrigue, ala LA COnfidential or Unusual Suspects, this flick is definitely worth your while. If you insist on comparing it to its prequel you may be disappointed. Jack is a terrific actor but his directorial mettle is alarming here as well. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A classic on its own
Review: "The Two Jakes" is a fine film. Not just as a mystery, but as a touching second look at J.J. Gittes (Nicholson) years after the events of "Chinatown." Gittes is older, more melancholy, more self-reflexive. And Nicholson gives a touching, conflicted performance which reminds the viewer that he can still play characters who are not insane or homicidal. One of the few sequels that actually works.
Rating:
Summary: If Chinatown was a classic, this is merely a great film.
Review: "The Two Jakes" Most reviews pull Jack Nicholson's directorial debut to pieces, except for a very well-considered one by Roger Ebert (find it at the Chicago Sun-Times). Of course, it's not Chinatown. Instead it's a wonderful film that had the misfortune of being a sequel to a classic film. It's about the past, how it pervades our lives for the rest of our days, and how we incorporate it into our futures. Many have complained that the film is convoluted, that when the key revelation comes (I ain't givin' that away) you miss the impact of it. I strongly disagree with this. I for one had actually figured out the revelation before it happened - this didn't bother me because I wanted so much for it to be what I had thought it was going to be. And when it comes, it's so subtle you could almost be forgiven for missing it. It's lovely, so comforting, and very ironic. All I'll say is, pay attention to the scene where Jake (Nicholson) goes to see Kahn (the unmistakable James Hong). "Something about the flowers..." The Two Jakes is subtle, well-crafted, and when all is revealed, so very simple. The 'convoluted' events in the plot serve to illustrate what a single, simple desire can cause. Just watch it. Bear in mind the events and characters from Chinatown, but only so that you have a backstory for these characters and not a standard to which they should be compared. And if you get this movie, "It never goes away..."
Rating:
Summary: GREAT FILM IN ITS OWN RIGHT
Review: "Two Jakes" is no Polanski treat, yet it is somewhat unjustly compared to its epic predecessor ("Chinatown"). Watch the movie in its own right, and you will be amazed. Chinatown had a trademark Polanski stamp in its fluid narrative and its clever unfurling of clues (just in time for an emotionally explosive denouement) but that is precisely where "Two Jakes" errs. The plot is quite suspenseful but a trifle convoluted. Characters are more deeply examined. If you enjoy intrigue, ala LA COnfidential or Unusual Suspects, this flick is definitely worth your while. If you insist on comparing it to its prequel you may be disappointed. Jack is a terrific actor but his directorial mettle is alarming here as well. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Vastly Underrated
Review: Any sequel to something as good as "Chinatown" is going to disappoint some people, but "The Two Jakes" is just the sequel that that movie needed. "The Two Jakes" has a different look, and a different feel to it; one that is akin to the time that it represents- like "Kiss Me Deadly" or "Sudden Fear" has a different look than "Casablanca" or "The Big Sleep". Yes, it does have a convoluted plot, but one that makes perfect sense if you pay attention, and you cannot fault the performers- they are flawless to the extras. It is also the most flawless (yep, I know that I have been using that adjective a lot, but it fits, and you can look at my other reviews to see just how mean I can be!) look of postwar Los Angeles that I have ever seen- and as a resident, I know how hard that that can be to pull off. So, okay, it's not "Chinatown" so what? Not to denigate it, but that movie's impact was mainly because it re-introduced a generation to the whole film noir genre, brilliantly. This movie attempted to do the same thing for a time that also should be remembered- the 50's film noir, before "Psycho" and "Bonnie and Clyde", but the movies that paved the way for those classics.
Rating:
Summary: Vastly Underrated
Review: Any sequel to something as good as "Chinatown" is going to disappoint some people, but "The Two Jakes" is just the sequel that that movie needed. "The Two Jakes" has a different look, and a different feel to it; one that is akin to the time that it represents- like "Kiss Me Deadly" or "Sudden Fear" has a different look than "Casablanca" or "The Big Sleep". Yes, it does have a convoluted plot, but one that makes perfect sense if you pay attention, and you cannot fault the performers- they are flawless to the extras. It is also the most flawless (yep, I know that I have been using that adjective a lot, but it fits, and you can look at my other reviews to see just how mean I can be!) look of postwar Los Angeles that I have ever seen- and as a resident, I know how hard that that can be to pull off. So, okay, it's not "Chinatown" so what? Not to denigate it, but that movie's impact was mainly because it re-introduced a generation to the whole film noir genre, brilliantly. This movie attempted to do the same thing for a time that also should be remembered- the 50's film noir, before "Psycho" and "Bonnie and Clyde", but the movies that paved the way for those classics.
Rating:
Summary: Not Quite Chinatown ... but close
Review: As you've probably heard, The Two Jakes is the sequel to Chinatown set fifteen years later. With the exception of Jack Nicholson directing, it's the same group that brought us Chinatown - same writer, producer and several cast members from the original. If you liked Chinatown, then you should enjoy The Two Jakes. I saw both movies a week apart and found I preferred the original. It just stuck with me better. I can't quite put my finger on the exact reason. My wife says that the sequel went on a bit too long. Similar to Chinatown, there's a lot going on in this movie. Both movies differ from others in that you aren't spoon-fed the clues -- you have to notice them for yourself. I'll gladly watch this movie another time or three to catch more of the subtle clues. The only DVD extra is a theatrical trailer that, contrary to most, doesn't give away the movie. Recommend: Yes
Watch again: Yes
Rating:
Summary: A FILM THAT PROVES JUST HOW DUMB CRITICS ARE
Review: Attention, all you half-witted film critics: "Titanic" is not a masterpiece. I would be hard-pressed to even categorize that big-budget piece of junk as a movie. Guess what else? "The Two Jakes" IS a great film! This long-awaited sequel to "Chinatown" falls well short of its predecessor, but still delivers the goods. Nicholson proves that yes, he can indeed direct. A witty screenplay by Robert Towne and a fantastic supporting cast(headed by the always incredible Keitel) help this film stand on its own. Much darker than the original, with plenty of humor mixed in. 4.5/5
Rating:
Summary: No Comparison to Chinatown
Review: I am afraid I must disagree with the other reviewers. This movie did not compare well with Chinatown. I purchased both movies and watched Chinatown first, then The 2 Jakes. The 2 Jakes has a very convoluted story-line, a non-realistic ending. Could have been a good movie if Chinatown was never made, but comparing the two movies makes The 2 Jakes look bad. Unfortunatley, the DVD also lacks quality, it is just a good copy of the VHS version, there are no features such as interviews, making of the movie etc. etc. The chapters are way too long (about 15-20 minutes a piece), so not very easy to rewind if you miss a small part. However, I would recommend people to own both movies, and watch them to compare and make your own decision.
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