There is no question that not knowing the Tolstoy story "Two Hussars" will mean you will miss half the humor and irony in 2 Jacks. Read Two Hussars, it is a quick read short story, and good translations are free on the web, and then enjoy this film

This father and son tale of 2 Jacks begins appropriately enough at a non-operating, nothing happening luggage turnstile in the L.A. airport. In between, interest mounts as the suave, feckless and restless father roams a nearly black and white Hollywood in search of financing for what apparently became an Oscar winning but off-screen unnamed effort--the financing for which hinged on a pair of jacks. The movie has its peak midstream with a semi-impromptu song and dance show stopper featuring an entrancing Izabella Miko--who is then unceremoniously, literally and inexplicably dumped, apparently to signal the movie's hyper-colored slide down the backside of the story into the son's not so deft experiences, ending at the same dull nothing happening turnstile where his father started.

A rousing and energetic adaptation of Tolstoy's Two Hussars, Two Jacks succeeds on the level pure spectacle, but provides an unanticipated level of depth and humor as well.Two Jacks includes an all-star cast headlined by Danny Huston and Sienna Miller. This feature is a fast-paced, glamorous and romantic vision of Tinseltown – old Hollywood glamor meets modern day La La land. The audience is enraptured by the brilliant cinematography through fast camera work and quick edits reminiscent of European cinema.The story is of legendary film director Jack Hussar (Danny Huston), a notorious gambler and philanderer, returning to Los Angeles to obtain financing for his next film. During the course of one night, Jack charms the stunning Diana (Sienna Miller), makes his way around the party circuit, and narrowly escapes a brush with the law, before playing a high-stakes poker game at dawn. Cut to, years later when Jack Hussar Jr. (Jack Huston) arrives in Hollywood for his directorial debut, an older Diana (Jacqueline Bisset) finds her daughter falling for her former lover's son. Jack Jr is desperate to escape the footsteps and reputation of his father, therein is where the adventure lies. The subtle and witty writing and directing shown cleverly by characters behavior rather than words captures the human spirit that remains constant with time.A must see!

Writer/Director Bernard Rose continues in his series of Tolstoy adaptations with his latest Two Jacks, starring Danny Huston and Jack Huston. Danny Huston plays once successful and revered Hollywood director Jack Hussar. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Jack hopes to procure financing for his newest project. Jack with, his nightly attendance to glamorous parties and continuous smoking make him a classic Hollywood filmmaker. But he is not without a bit of compassion or clever thinking. Following a lifetime later is Jack's son, who shares both his name and passion for filmmaking. Not to mention his charm and reputation. Jack Jr. as his journey begins also aspires to procure financing for his filmmaking debut. The two Jack's do well to carry themselves with confidence and a touch of arrogance in some cases, but not without sympathy or flaw. The cinematography speaks with an artistic new wave cinema vérité style. The color is tinted in Jack Sr. scenes giving the impression of a time in film long gone. Unfortunately, this sort of filmmaking is not for everyone. However I found this to be done due to the unique vision of the director.For those familiar with the style or Roses previous work, Two Jacks is sure to please with its solid performances and artistic storytelling.