Though forgettable in the long run, while it lasts "Jerry and Tom" is very enjoyable. Never has a movie about two ruthless hitmen had less on screen violence. Neither has brutal killing has ever been executed with such taste. While the humor is decidedly black, it's not morbid. There are many funny moments, but the overall effect is somewhat slight.What makes it work is the Joe Mantegna/Sam Rockwell duo. They are both fine team players, especially when paired up with an unlikely other half. Rockwell has in the past partnered a variety of characters from uptight John Turturro in "Box of Moonlight" to precocious child Micha Barton in "Lawn Dogs" and always with much subtle off beat humor. Mantegna is basically a one role actor. It's a turn he does extremely well, but we have seen it all before. Still, watching these two in "Jerry and Tom" is great fun and there's good support from Charles Durning, Ted Danson and Maury Chaykin.There is a nice sense of whackiness about it all, not only in the dialog and characterization but also in the strange and unique manner in which some of the scenes smoothly segue into each other with unexpected camera moves.

Don't look for a deep meaning for life in this film. Look for a very entertaining two hours of superb characters, situations, and some of the most crafty filming techniques I've seen in years. The transitions from one scene to the next were very clever. This one was worth rewinding and watching the characters more closely to fully appreciate them and many of the scene transitions. This is a quality film. The story is not overly complex but keeps you guessing as to what will be next.Tired of the Hollywood formula movies? Tired of shallow characters? Rent this one, you will not be disappointed.

A tedious, dialogue-intensive story about the vicissitudes of a mentor/protege hitman team, "Jerry & Tom" is a study in understatement with a pointless plot and an ending which may make you want to "whack" yourself for having watched the whole thing.

Some very rewarding performances make this movie about paid hitmen / car salesman a special find in your local video store. Its twice as good as Tarantino's "Jacky Brown" and features the same overly chatty style but Sam Rockwell, Joe Mategna and the other actors in this film look as if they were actually having a good time during filming. Funny cameos by William H. Macy and Ted Danson offset more poignant moments, such as a mistaken killing and the inevitable finale. Apart from the camera lingering on static scenes a little too much, its an entertaining watch. Underrated stuff.