Is Escape From Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Escape From Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith (2017), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In his essay film, Jerry Tartaglia, longtime archivist and restorer of the film estate of queer New York underground, experimental film, and performance legend Jack Smith, deals less with Smith’s life than with his work, analyzing Smith’s aesthetic idiosyncrasies in 21 thematic chapters. It's a film essay about the artist’s work, rather than a documentary about his life. An unmediated vision of Jack Smith, an invitation to join him in his lost paradise."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Jack Smith feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Escape From Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Escape From Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.