The House That Jack Built (2013 film)

The House That Jack Built is a 2013 American drama film directed by Henry Barrial and written by Joseph B. Vasquez. It stars E. J. Bonilla in the title role, with Melissa Fumero, Saundra Santiago, Leo Minaya, Desmin Borges, John Herrera, Flor De Liz Perez, and Rosal Colon in supporting roles. It follows an ambitious young Latino man who buys a small apartment building in the Bronx and moves his entire boisterous family in to live rent-free.

The film had its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 16, 2013. It was released in select theaters and on VOD on November 6, 2015, by Vega Baby Releasing. It received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast, particularly Bonilla.

Production
The House That Jack Built was directed by Henry Barrial from a screenplay that Joseph B. Vasquez had written before his death in 1995. The film's producer, Michael Lieber, who was Vasquez's friend and colleague, helped Barrial revise the script and gave him a better understanding of Vasquez. Principal photography began in May 2012 in New York, and lasted 18 days, with an estimated $130,000 budget.

Release
The House That Jack Built had its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 16, 2013. In September 2015, Vega Baby Releasing acquired North American distribution rights to the film. It was given a limited theatrical release on November 6, 2015, and was simultaneously released on video on demand.

Critical response
Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter stated, "Working-class realism and a charismatic lead performance elevate a story that tends toward cliche." Linden also wrote, "Barrial taps into the everyday reality of his characters' New York with an impressive immediacy."

Andy Webster of The New York Times described the film as "a New York City kitchen sink drama" and opined, "There is solid ensemble acting, particularly by Mr. Bonilla, who dependably anchors a movie that is almost too busy. There is theatrical excess, as well, in the unrelenting pileup of dramatic situations, which hobbles the film's credibility."

Martin Tsai of the Los Angeles Times called the film "gritty and authentic" and commented, "The personality flaws of the characters and the dysfunctions of the household are instantly recognizable from this very capable cast, yet they never come off as cliché."

Accolades
The House That Jack Built was awarded Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the 2014 Phoenix Film Festival. It also won the Audience Award, while Barrial was given Best Director Narrative Feature at the 2014 Queens World Film Festival.