Film Review – Jackie & Ryan

The healing power of music receives a revival in “Jackie & Ryan.” A low-key romance with deep-seated anxiety issues, the feature comes from writer/director Ami Canaan Mann, who made a splash a few years ago with the lauded but little seen “Texas Killing Fields.” Inching away from murder and paranoia to play softly with the troubles of average folk, Mann fashions a tender, understanding picture that attempts to evade formula through unexpected acts of kindness. “Jackie & Ryan” isn’t profound work, but it carries real heart and private moments of panic, emerging as a character study with a folk music core, matching the bond of stage performance with emotional unions found in everyday life. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com