There are several reasons why I wanted to see Jack & Sarah, and a couple of them are to do with one or two of the cast members. I am a huge fan of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and when I saw they were going to be in the same film together, I thought to myself this movie is going to be good! Overall, I was not disappointed. Some parts are slow, but the acting more than made up for it. Tim Sullivan's direction ensured that the film didn't get too sentimental, though some of it is very sweet and poignant, and the script is honest and touching. Jack & Sarah is very nice to look at too, the cinematography and scenery are both lovely, and the music is very warm and inviting. But the real delight is the acting; Richard E.Grant is very good as the high-flying lawyer/bumbling father figure, while Samantha Mathis is appealing as the nanny who falls for her employer. However, Ian McKellen as the tramp-cum-butler in a class of his own and Judi Dench as Margaret are the ones who steal the show, while Eileen Atkins gives terrific support. Overall, very nice and charming film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

A curious film. Patently chasing the golden goose formula of Four Weddings and a Funeral this comic film is replete with genuine tragedy, an American girl and a fairly top-drawer British cast. Indeed the film succeeds effortlessly when the actors have a reasonable chunk of script or scene to work with (with the exception of the mediocre Samantha Mathis). I also really enjoyed the fluid comedy, moving between the obvious and the surprising, equally well delivered by the ensemble.The film falls down though in its rather piecemeal approach. There's a feeling, almost literally, of the film being put together as if by marketeering scientists, looking to maximise its impact. There any number of bizarrely framed shots and loose ends - the set piece is king at the expense of overall cohesion. 4/10 but, hang on, I was conspicuously aware of it not being written or directed by Richard Curtis, so 5/10 for avoiding clone status.

"Jack and Sarah", the delightful comedy directed by Tim Sullivan, was shown recently on cable. The appeal of the film lies largely in the fabulous cast that was put together. Mr. Sullivan delivers a 'feel good' movie that will warm hearts for viewers of all ages.When Jack's wife dies, suddenly, he is left alone with an infant girl. Jack has no clue about what to do with the baby. His life goes into a tailspin. Enter his kind parents and former mother-in-law. They all have ideas about what to do with Sarah, but Jack ends up resenting their interference. That's when he has the bright idea of getting a nanny for little Sarah.Amy, the girl he hires, is probably the wrong kind for the job. Little does Jack know, Amy doesn't have a clue about children, let alone, how to handle them. The only thing that is clear is that Amy loves her little charge. Amy and Sarah seem to have been made for one another. Jack warms up to the babysitter and they find one another in love because of Sarah.Richard E. Grant is a versatile actor. He is tremendously appealing as the confused father of a baby he was not prepared to handle. Samantha Mathis makes an endearing Amy, the girl that steals Jack's heart. Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Ian McKellen are seen in in supporting roles that add great charm to the film.This is a fun film thanks to Tim Sullivan.

"Jack and Sarah" is all about a British man, Jack, who finds himself stuck with a new born daughter, Sarah, while mourning the loss of his wife. As he struggles with his grief, he takes on an American nanny, Amy, (Mathis) who, with and in spite of assorted family and friends, helps him find happiness again. A tad long for a romcom at almost 2 hours, this easy-going and light hearted flick gets moving and keeps moving with enough side characters and subplots neatly knitted together that the time passes swiftly. Unabashedly sentimental but with a little edge to it, "Jack and Sarah" works well, doesn't stereotype too much, ignores the obvious opportunities for culture clashing, and passes on the schmaltz. Cute, fun, and fresh, "J&S" should make an enjoyable watch for anyone looking to wile away a couple of hours with some romantic comedy fare. Now on broadcast with R-rated language and G-rated CC's. (B)