Jack

What was intended to be a life-affirming fantasy cannot bear the weight of Robin Williams' ill-conceived performance as a ten-year-old whose mysterious medical condition has caused him to age at four times the normal rate. Not only does he seem to be playing Jack younger, but his overgrown, hirsute appearance gives the discomforting impression that his character is retarded. Credibility is further strained by Williams' self-indulgent penchant for character-breaking asides (a Kevorkian reference?). Small blessings include Bill Cosby's touching performance as Jack's tutor (his best screen role in a decade) and Diane Lane as Jack's loving, over-protective mother. (K. Lee Benson)