John Berlin (Andy Garcia) is a former Los Angeles police officer who is re-instated in a small town police force in rural California. Once there, Berlin comes across an un-identified human body he believes is apart of a series of unsolved murders. The only witness a blind woman named Helena (Uma Thurman) who he falls in love with.
A solid thriller, Jennifer Eight is let down by questionable decision that reveal the killer way too early. The ending is a total let down as the emotional investment put into to the characters is tossed aside for a cheap conclusion that leaves much to be desired.
However Bruce Robinson’s direction is spot on as he establishes a great sense of mood and tension, especially in regards to the interrogation scenes between Andy Garcia and an in form John Malkovich, who plays FBI Agent St. Anne.
It’s always found it be a pleasure watching Andy Garcia. He puts a lot of fire within his performances, and although there are moments he comes across as hammy, he still gives a very good performance. Uma Thurman as well is one of my favorites, the stunning beauty delivering as the vulnerable target of a serial killer, which only she and Berlin know exist.
Jennifer Eight is good, but could have been much better if only the producers stayed out of Robinson’s way and let him make the film he wanted to make. |