SIFF Sighting: JUMP (drama; Ireland)

Ever since Trainspotting hit theaters in 1996, directors have been trying to emulate it.

It will come as no surprise when this film, Jump, earns comparisons to the trailblazer since all of the hallmarks are there: crime; bloody fights; damsels in distress (who don't want help); fast music; dance clubs and depression.

Set in Northern Ireland on New Year's Eve, Greta (Nichola Burley) can't seem to successfully jump off of a Derry bridge because Pearse (Martin McCann), fresh from a fight, feels like being a hero. Soon they're bickering just like Jack and Rose from Titanic and he's determined to save her from herself.

Of course, there's a twist: Greta's dad (a mad crime boss) is after Pearse due to an earlier mess he got himself into, but of course, they don't know that as they're slowly (but really rapidly) falling in love.

Really, there's nothing wrong with the film except for all of the things I mentioned above. It has a decent story, fine actors and a frenetic pace to keep viewers interested, but it's nothing we haven't seen before.

JUMP will screen at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival on June 1, 2 and 5. For tickets, click here.