Terry Dolittle (Whoopi Goldberg) is a bank employee. Daily she uses her computer to work, communicating with fellow staff members all over the world. There are times where Terry gets distracted by spending too much time with her online chats, sharing recipes and discussing relationships. Her manager warns her to end the chatter and focus on her work instead. At the end of one of Terry’s shifts, she gets a message inviting her to unlock a secret chat. Naturally, Terry gets curious at all the mystery and ends up chatting with an unknown person who desperately needs her help to stay alive.

Jumpin’ Jack Flash was a bit of a household classic growing up. The VHS we had was initially recorded from TV. In the present day, I recently rewatched this film on DVD and introduced it to my wife. I was surprised how much was cut from TV Version, in particular the amount of foul language which earns extra laughs when rewatching. Actress Whoopi Goldberg could be considered similar to Samuel L Jackson in regards to the offensive language department in this film. But overall, I always enjoyed (and I still do) Whoppi Goldberg’s energy on screen. Making jokes and yelling at people, she gives enough on-screen that you generally care for her.

Considering this film is a comedy, Jumpin’ Jack Flash can also be considered a thriller. Who is the man on Terry’s computer trying to connect with her? And who is right and who is terrible are just some of the mysteries this film brings up multiple times during the film’s duration. One scene in particular that still gives me goosebumps is when Terry finds a photograph of herself in an apartment which was taken moments before she saw it.

Apart from the famous track by the Rolling Stones, this film is loaded with classical 80’s music which I am a fan. It’s only unfortunate this film has never received a Bluray release considering its age. But as a plot, online chat still exists, and there are plenty of things to love in this film, making it yet relatable and enjoyable. Major faults to the film would include a slow 2nd act. There are also moments where Terry’s journeys go somewhere that only ends in a disappointing to both the plot and the character. I will also state that other than Terry most (perhaps all) side characters are incredibly annoying.

Overall, Jumpin’ Jack Flash is my number one Whoppi Goldberg film. As an actress, I’ve always been impressed by her humour and energy on screen and also the fact she manages to get us to care for her character. The film also has elements of mystery and romance. Apart from a slow, disappointing 2nd act where screen time can feel wasted, what’s not to love about this 80’s film? Worth a look because they didn’t make them like this in 2019.

6.1/10

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Review Written by Peter Walkden