Making Family Movies in the Backyard:
Little Jake and Harry Film Review

Recently, at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, I had the opportunity to meet Little Jake and Harry producer and director Joel Jost, his brother and co-producer Josiah “Siah” Jost, and his friends and crewmembers JD and Audrey King.

Both the Josts and the Kings were a delight to meet in person. They had a flair of fun and a contagious camaraderie among them, coupled with a healthy respect for the craft of film.

I really met them for the first time on the Christian-movie.com forums and, having introduced myself to them in person at the festival, they eagerly handed me a copy of their film with the understanding that I would review and consider it for an interview or article on Christian-Movie.com.

Back from San Antonio, I sat with fellow HOSFU members on a Saturday night as we cracked open the handsomely packaged DVD, our laptops, and our notebooks. The film, written by Jesse Jost and filmed in southern Alberta, Canada, is a western loosely based on the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. Though I had already met Joel and Josiah in person, I was unsure what to expect from their movie.

I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t been affected by inept and horrible films that are trying to be serious. It is too easy to start watching a film with a negative bias in your mind and heart that is not fair to the filmmaker you are reviewing for the first time. As I popped in Hagiazo Productions’ Little Jake and Harry, I realized I was feeling this way and confessed my bias to the Lord.

As I watched this film, I took countless notes about cinematic inconsistencies, ridiculous costumes, visible lighting changes within the same sequence, who was wearing which hat, what color it was, and how these details were symbolic.

Yet, when all was said and done, I found Little Jake and Harry to be a treasure, intentionally and unabashedly awkward, quirky, and comical. Once I had set aside my critical eyes, this 55 minute film - with its over-the-top acting and funny one-liners - made me not only smile, but even laugh out loud. It was like watching a Veggie Tales movie with real people in it.

The original music by Lisa Jost was theme-appropriate and a solid addition to the film. The song “I Love You as Much as You Love You,” combined with Joel Jost’s film sequence, meshed perfectly and was simply witty.

What stuck out to me more than anything was the unbelievable fun that the actors seemed to have throughout the film. By the time the credits rolled, I wanted to watch the behind-the-scenes footage and the blooper reel, special features of the DVD. These extra sequences confirmed my suspicion: they had fun.

Behind the scenes, “Siah” and JD King were caught playing with Polly Pockets, and I found out that Emily Jost is really as much of an extrovert in real life as she seems in the film. The “Tumbleweed Trainer,” Audrey King, is given due recognition in the credits, and the children and neighbors all hang out at the house. The whole Jost family is involved in this film, and you feel as if you could be sitting with them in their living room as a welcomed part of the family.

Does Little Jake and Harry have issues? Yes. Were there places to improve? Yes. Was I blessed in watching this film? Yes.

Well done, Hagiazo Films. I believe that you have much to learn, and that God will be patient with you in that process. I believe that, even now, you will bless people with your work and continue to be used of God for His purpose and glory.

Thank you for sharing this film with us; I look forward to the next one!

Check out Christian-Movie.com's exclusive interview with
director and producer Joel Jost!

Return from Family Movies to Christian Movie Reviews