Customer Reviews

Jump Tomorrow

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you just read a thumb nail sketch of this movie, it sounds like another in a long line of (take your pick) lightweight romantic comedies/fish-out-of-water/road movies. And it's true, there's nothing terribly ground breaking in terms of plot here. Nevertheless, it's worth your time. Some of the things that make "Jump Tomorrow" special are as follows:

*the whimsical spirit of the screen play;
*the capricious joy with which the actors play their parts;
*vibrantly colored sets and cinematography; and
*director Joel Hopkins, who keeps this movie from taking itself too seriously.

The casting and performances in this movie deserve special mention. Hipployte Girardot turns in an amusing performance as Gerard, frenetic friend of George, the film's protagonist. Natalia Verbeke (the next Penelope Cruz?) is alluring and sweet as George's friend and love interest. But my personal favorite is Tunde Adebimpe as George. He plays the part with such hangdog sincerity, I couldn't help feeling exactly what he feels. The word "chemistry" is overused, but these three definitely have it. They play their parts so naturally, I forgot I was watching a movie. There is zero sense of "star-struck Hollywood" in this film. (Perhaps that stands to reason, since it's an in indie movie.)

By the way, when was the last time you saw a movie where the three main characters were Latina, French, and African American? Kudos to the director for: 1)assembling this racially diverse cast; ans 2)doing it in a way that isn't overly self-aware, or laden with attitude.

Note to parents: "Jump Tomorrow" is rated PG. Compared to much of what's out there, it's quite wholesome and free of offensive language. It would be a good choice for your next family video night.

I saw "Jump Tomorrow" in Seattle in July, 2001 during its (extremely short) theatrical run. On that same day, I saw "Ghost World" (which I also loved, but for different reasons). I just couldn't get either film out of my mind; I thought for sure they would both go on to become art house hits. We all know the success that "Ghost World" went on to achieve, but "Jump Tomorrow" somehow slipped through the cracks. Ever since then, I've been hoping against hope that "Jump Tomorrow" would see a release on video. Now, here's your chance to see what you've been missing!!

I caught the short movie "Jorge" a couple of years back on IFC, which spawned this full-length version. That movie was black and white, and had a different actress in the lead. Also brought over from the earlier film are the fantasy sequences in the style of Spanish language soap operas.
Tunde Adebimpe reprises his role as George, a man whose appearance belies his mousy demeanor. Adebimpe plays George a little like Peter Sellers in "Being There", as a man who takes very little action, but instead allows the events of the story to happen to him. Unlike Chance the Gardener, however, George is not totally disconnected from society or reality. The plot is a fairly standard road movie type deal, with an interesting arranged marriage subplot involving George. The real attraction of the movie are the characters, their interactions. They are offbeat but quite genuine. You have Nigerians, Latinos, a Frenchman, an Englishman, but this isn't a movie that is drunk with its own multiculturalism. A lesser movie may have had these characters cleverly trying to sort out their cultural differences on their way to becoming politically correct and stereotype-free, but the movie is not about their cultural revelations, it's about their individual quests for love. However, during a brief nationalistic argument between the Englishman and the Frenchman, the latter says "You have these 4 guys with the hair from Liverpool and you think you have the monopoly on 20th century culture."
It's this Frenchman, in fact, who steals the movie. Hippolyte Girardot plays Gerard with equal parts comedy and tragedy, a guy who clings to his idealization of love even when the reality of it constantly tramples him. (The license plate on his car reads AMOUR 1). Natalia Verbeke, the Argentinian actress who plays Alicia is also very good. The movie is very light, but not at all empty. Highly recommended.

This is a very enjoyable "girlie" movie, but really guys listen up, if your girl friend wants to pop this DVD in: go for it. Though the plot is a romantic, the characters bring to life a very fresh movie style and not only smart humor but funny humor.
Sorry theirs no nude bodies running around or Jerry Springer fights, but a very well thought out plot that is understandable and enjoyable.
It's about time some one can put out a decent movie that doesn't have anything to do with drugs, or uses the f word to start every conversation. This movie will bring a couple together, I'll put a dollar on it.. I really like this movie and wish it could be found in stores. From a real dude~

Jump Tomorrow is one of those smart and funny films you just can't help but like. A first time effort from writer/director Joel Hopkins , Jump Tomorrow is a fresh breath of air and an absolute relief from the bevy of re-hashed romantic comedies which find their way into theaters. At the center of Jump Tomorrow is George (portrayed by first time star Tunde Adebimpe), a very serious, composed, and all too contained Nigerian. At times George reminds me of Woody Allen or M. Hulot as he awkwardly stumbles through his life on a journey to the inevitable. But it's the journey that has an impact on George and watching that change is both humorous and entertaining.

Joel Hopkins has a lot of the same qualities as director Wes Anderson (who directed the fantabulous Rushmore) - he has a sense of framing, music and pacing that is funny, but not at the expense of the characters. Over the course of the movie you really get to know and like these characters, feel for their struggle and can revel in their personal triumphs. It's rare that you get that from a Romantic Comedy, and for that I'd definitely recommend Jump Tomorrow. Think of it as the perfect 'indie' date movie! [Geoffrey Kleinman DVDTalk.com]

A man about to get married in a few days finds that fate can change even the best-made plans. After missing his fiancé at the airport, he meets a man there whose intended fiancé rejects him. These new acquaintances spark a positive change in each of their lives.

Everyone from the jeweler and tailor to his co workers is patting George (Tunde Adebimpe) on the back and telling him, "Smile George, you're getting married." At an office party for him he can barely manage a half smile. It's obvious George is on shaky ground. Sitting in his office cubicle, accepting congratulations, we learn that he's a gentle man as he carefully removes a ladybug from his pen rather than killing it. George looks like one of those "still waters run deep" type of guys.

George first realizes he has a problem when his fiancé is not on the plane from Nigeria when he goes to the airport to pick her up. His parents are deceased and his uncle reminds him that they would be proud of him marrying his childhood friend Sophie, who he has not seen in three years. It's less of an arranged marriage and more a matter of doing what is expected of you.

Destiny takes hold of this farcical tale as George meets two people at the airport who will change his life as much as he will change theirs. First there is Alicia (Natallia Verbeke) who is making a phone call at the cubicle next to him. After casual conversation that begins when she borrows a pen from him, Alicia invites George to a party that evening, in the manner of "oh by the way, what are you doing tonight?" Alicia is Latin and she tells George his name is pronounced "Jorge" in Spanish, which sets up a very funny recurring refrain.

While George and Alicia are saying their first hello, Gerard (Hippolyte Giradot) meets his lover and makes a proposal that is rejected on the spot. He's crushed because he is not only in love with her, but he's in love with being in love. He's French, so perhaps he should be forgiven. We learn later that he has a tendency to come on too strong, too fast. Any man whose license plate reads Amour 1 has a problem. He's a romantic's romantic ... a nice guy who makes you feel nauseous.

Gerard is devastated with his rejection and when he meets George in the restroom, after literally bumping into each other and making apologies, Gerard offers George a ride, which he eventually accepts. One thing leads to another and by that evening they are at the party looking for Alicia. Gerard tries to drown his sorrows by drinking too much and we discover the meaning of the title phrase Jump Tomorrow.

George needs to get to Niagara Falls and Gerard insists on driving him there. Alicia and her fiancé Nathan (James Wilby) are going to Canada and plan to stop at her mother's on the way. However, since they don't have a car, they will be hitchhiking. As they all hit the road, their paths cross with humorous consequences. George has a sudden desire to learn to speak Spanish, so he buys teaching tapes for the car. There's a woman named Heather (Kaili Vernoff) at a "love motel" who tries to pick up George. And Consuelo (Patricia Mauceri), Alicia's mom, seems to like George more than she does Nathan.

George becomes increasingly infatuated with Alicia and the attraction is mutual. Gerard's meeting with Consuelo and their mutual love of cooking provides the opportunity for him to gain a bit of a perspective on loving.

Jump Tomorrow is fresh and original filmmaking without being weird or corny. It's a romantic comedy with serious undertones about being who you are. Fate does affect what you do with whom, but more than anything the decisions we each make tend to determine our fate. Life has a way of going in circles and straight lines at the same time.

How my ratings work:
5 - I really liked/loved it
4 - I liked it
3 - Could've been better/worth a look
2 - Just didn't live up to the potential
1 - Simply awful

It's very rare these days to find a romantic comedy that is both romantic and funny, I was greatly satisfied with Jump Tomorroe. I remember seeing the short film Jorge by the same writer-director (Joel Hopkins) and it had the same actor who played Jorge (Tunde Adebimpe). All the actors were ejoyable and had great chemistry. The script is funny and often hilarious and the directing is quirky and cool. It's also rare to see and indie film that's PG, most are PG-13 or R, it's amazing. There is some language but only about three maybe four curse words used. Truly remarkable, a must see film. PS, if you can find the short film Jorge definitley see it as well.

Horhay (george) is the funniest character Ive seen in a while.
I saw it twice

It won't leave you thinking about the meaning of life or how cruel people can be, but it will entertain you and keep you charmed as it weaves it's surrealistic way through a very simple love story, with scenery straight out of an Ikea commercial. That's a plus, in my book. Go see it, you will enjoy it, and it's cinematography is very unusual.

A Great Looking Movie with fascinating characters, I was happy to join them on their journey to Niagra Falls, meeting some warm family members & friends along the way. An enjoyable experience
all around.

Here is a low-key romance that delivers despite, or perhaps because of its restraint. George, born in Nigeria, sets off to the airport to meet his arranged bride. We understand from his manner that George is a man who wants to do the right thing. He wants to honor his dead parents who dreamed of this marriage, and his uncle and the girl herself -- but he also wants to fall in love before signing away his life.
It turns out George got the wrong day but while at the airport he bumps into two people who will change his life -- Gerard, an over-enthusiastic Frenchman whose attempts to find amour always end in rejection and Alicia, a gorgeous Spanish girl about to leave on a trip to Canada with her pretentious British boyfriend.
Soon George and Gerard are in hot pursuit in a beat-up old Citroen, combing the byways of upstate New York for love.
I won't give away the plot except to say that I found the acting excellent, the writing excellent and the photography interesting throughout.
Often, say the word "indie" movie and my spirits sink. So many examples of that genre specialize in the lives of depressing weirdos. Here, for a pleasant change, are some normal free-spirits or people in the process of freeing their spirits that one can believe in.