Jo Kennedy Movies
- 1990
Bernard (Chris Haywood) is clearly someone with an obsessive personality, as witnessed by his lifelong love affair with old-time clocks. He even earns his livelihood by finding, selling, and repairing them. However, obsessions aside, he seems a decent sort, happly involved in a relationship with Terese (Gosia Dobrowolska), the wife of a clueless Salvation Army major. When Bernard discovers a lock of golden hair in a very old cabinet, a new obsession develops: he literally falls in love with it. He talks to it, he fondles it, he even has sex (of a sort) with it. As he does, he grows every more detached from real life. However, his living girlfriend is not going to take this sort of thing lying down, and she energetically works to win him back. This tale is based on a 19th century story, Le Chevelure, by French author Guy de Maupassant. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chris Haywood, Gosia Dobrowolska, (more)
- 1989
A diverse group of seedy characters live their lives in the tawdry King Cross district of Sydney, Australia in this low-budget romantic drama. Mitch (Jo Kennedy) is a female hairdresser who loves Rex (Nique Needles), a petty crook and drifter who is jailed after he is convicted of attempted burglary. Robert Menzies plays a drugged-out character called Yawn. Gaye (Anna Phillips) is a hooker who lives with her lover and pimp Tony (John Polson). None of them tries too terribly hard to work at their "jobs," or their lives, and it seems certain that they will all do yet more time in prison -- sooner rather than later, nor will they mind it much. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jo Kennedy, Nique Needles, (more)
- 1985
In this standard movie about a young doctor wandering across the U.S. in search of his lost ideals, Richard Moir is David Trueman, someone who has dreams of going to South America to practice medicine among the disenfranchised. Trueman does go, but after he arrives he encounters enough corruption and oppression to drive him out of there -- and into drugs. He decides to travel around the U.S., at a loss with himself and society, and eventually he meets Mary (Jo Kennedy), a young heroin addict who shares his angst about life. As the two commiserate, their bleak outlook lightens up a little, promising some fairer weather in the future. Jo Kennedy received a "Best Actress" Silver Bear award at the 1985 Berlin Film Festival for her portrayal of Mary. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Moir, Jo Kennedy, (more)
- 1984
- R
Jason Connery (son of Sean Connery) stars as Johnny Kirkland in this slightly uneven teen drama about facing down obstacles at college and at home. When Johnny goes off to the university, he is leaving behind an aloof and alcoholic mother (Diane Cilento, Jason Connery's real-life mother) whose recent divorce has further destabilized her emotionally. At school, his frat brothers latch on to the fact that Johnny excelled in his high school at both grades and sports and rather than hope his success will continue, they do everything they can to "bring him down to size." Apparently, their own size is quite small, indeed, barely visible to the naked eye if their loutish behavior is any yardstick. Compounding these problems are Johnny's troubles with his girlfriend Robin (Laura Williams) -- can life get any worse? Most likely not, but how it gets better is the focus in the rest of the film. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
Star Struck is a light, frothy pop-culture musical comedy from Australia, where Jackie (Jo Kennedy) dreams of becoming a singing star and her cousin Angus (Ross O'Donovan) thinks he has what it takes to be a successful manager. After a spot at the hip club in town (wearing a kangaroo suit) fails to win Jackie any paying gigs, Angus enters her in a major talent competition to be held on New Year's Eve. If Jackie wins, her career is assured, and the $25,000 grand prize will help keep her parents' cafe open. But can Jackie stand the pressure? Will the band get it together in time? And will Angus ever get a girl? Star Struck plays like a mid-1980s "New Wave" variation on an old "Let's Put On A Show!" teenage musical, with tunes by Phil Judd and Tim Finn of the popular New Zealand band Split Enz. Keep your eyes peeled for a bit part played by Geoffrey Rush, 14 years before he would win an Oscar for his work in Shine. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jo Kennedy, Ross O'Donovan, (more)
