Janie Jones (2011)

50% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(908 ratings)

Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola) and his band are on the comeback trail when a former flame (Elisabeth Shue) drops a bomb in his lap: their 13-year-old daughter, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin). Ethan refuses to believe Janie is his kid, but when her mom suddenly leaves for rehab, the child has no… More Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola) and his band are on the comeback trail when a former flame (Elisabeth Shue) drops a bomb in his lap: their 13-year-old daughter, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin). Ethan refuses to believe Janie is his kid, but when her mom suddenly leaves for rehab, the child has no place to go but into the tour bus and on the road with the band. With no inclination toward fatherhood, Ethan continues his hard-living ways, leaving Janie to fend for herself in the dive bars and sleazy motels along the way. As Ethan's self-destructive spiral threatens to destroy his band's future, Janie uses her own surprising musical talents to help guide him down the rocky road to redemption. -- (C) Tribeca Film

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: David M. Rosenthal
Written By: David M. Rosenthal
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Drama

In Theaters: Oct 28, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Jan 31, 2012
Studio: Independent Pictures

Critic Reviews

Tom Russo, Boston Globe
"Janie Jones'' would feel more assured if Rosenthal had shown more inclination to commit.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Nivola and Breslin make a terrific mismatched pair in a film that often resembles a mash-up of "Crazy Heart" and Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere"...
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times
A mixture of discordant notes and way-too-familiar chords.
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
The movie works because it's essentially an old-fashioned two-hander for a couple of subtle and terrific actors.
Ian Buckwalter, NPR
After a messy, cliched first half, Janie Jones is barely salvaged by the lightweight sweetness that emerges once it becomes a two-hander for Breslin and Nivola.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
The indie road movie "Janie Jones" is billed as "inspired by the true story" of its writer-director, David M. Rosenthal. Impossible. No one's life is this boring.
Brett Michel, Boston Phoenix
Not particularly memorable.
Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper
You'll get in touch with your softer side and want to punch it.
Marshall Fine, Hollywood & Fine
A movie about second chances that's sweet (without being sugary) and tinged with regret.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Unrewarding retread of too many films we've seen before,
Geoff Berkshire, Metromix.com
It isn't easy to make an indie movie these days, so it's dispiriting how many wind up exactly like Janie Jones
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Nominated for an Academy Award for 2006's "Little Miss Sunshine" when she was just 10 years old, Breslin here gives a performance of great naturalism and charm, effortlessly carrying a challenging leading role.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Abigail Breslin in a shining performance as the responsible one in a father-daughter reunion.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
The musical set pieces aren't enough reason to see "Janie Jones," but at least there's some payoff for an otherwise dismal excuse for a story.
Eric Kohn, indieWIRE
Although not exemplary, "Janie Jones" at least manages to give its tired scenario a sense of legitimacy.
Noel Murray, AV Club
Contrivances aside ... Janie Jones is one of the more realistic depictions of what the rock 'n' roll lifestyle is really like.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

♥˩ƳИИ &

Cast: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Elisabeth Shue, Peter Stormare, Joel David Moore, Frances Fisher, Brittany Snow, Frank Whaley, Rodney Eastman, David Lee Smith Director: David M. Rosenthal Summary: Has-been rock star Ethan Brand is attempting a comeback when a former… More
Cast: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Elisabeth Shue, Peter Stormare, Joel David Moore, Frances Fisher, Brittany Snow, Frank Whaley, Rodney Eastman, David Lee Smith Director: David M. Rosenthal Summary: Has-been rock star Ethan Brand is attempting a comeback when a former groupie tells him he has a 13-year-old daughter, Janie, and leaves her in his care. Janie must then convince the hedonistic Ethan to reform and accept his responsibilities. My Thoughts: "I really enjoyed the movie and it's story. Abigail Breslin has changed into a very beautiful young adult. What hasn't changed is her great talent. She is great in this film, and her voice is great as well. She also shows some great talent on the guitar. It was a pleasant surprise. Alessandro Nivola aslo is fantastic in the film and has a great voice as well. The story may have been done before, but not with so much heart. I really felt the father and daughter relationship that started out complicated and awkward grew into a loving and protective relationship. It's a funny, touching, and honest film. The film also has some great music. A film I would recommend."
Jonny C

Decent drama with a good cast and a nice soundtrack