Andy Garcia plays John Berlin, a homicide detective who relocates from L. A. to the small town of Eureka. In no time at all, he's stubbornly determined - obsessed might be a better term for it - to crack a cold case involving the killing of a young blind girl. Soon he is convinced that he could be dealing with a serial killer here - who may be out to eliminate potential witness Helena Robertson (Uma Thurman), who is blind herself but pretty perceptive.
Written and directed by Bruce Robinson ("Withnail & I"), the slick thriller "Jennifer Eight" is ultimately not that satisfying because it's not always that believable or convincing. The lack of credibility is unfortunate, with the script basically letting down the cast & filmmakers. It's a waste of excellent atmosphere (the film *is* genuinely spooky at times, and many scenes take place in either the rain or the snow) and typically superb cinematography by D. P. / second unit director Conrad L. Hall. (Not to mention an eerie score by Christopher Young.)
Although Garcia is given to some real over-acting at times, the rest of the cast is strong, and filled with familiar faces. The lovely and appealing Thurman gives a wonderful, creditable performance. Lance Henriksen and Kathy Baker are their usual reliable selves, playing Johns' good friend Freddy Ross and his wife Margie. John Malkovich gives the proceedings a major shot in the arm in the second half, playing a wary, hard-hitting interrogator.
A big box office dud in its time, "Jennifer Eight" proved to be such a problematic experience for Robinson that he wouldn't make another film for 19 years; his comeback film was the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation "The Rum Diary".
All in all, this is certainly watchable for thriller lovers, although nothing special.
Six out of 10.
Written and directed by Bruce Robinson ("Withnail & I"), the slick thriller "Jennifer Eight" is ultimately not that satisfying because it's not always that believable or convincing. The lack of credibility is unfortunate, with the script basically letting down the cast & filmmakers. It's a waste of excellent atmosphere (the film *is* genuinely spooky at times, and many scenes take place in either the rain or the snow) and typically superb cinematography by D. P. / second unit director Conrad L. Hall. (Not to mention an eerie score by Christopher Young.)
Although Garcia is given to some real over-acting at times, the rest of the cast is strong, and filled with familiar faces. The lovely and appealing Thurman gives a wonderful, creditable performance. Lance Henriksen and Kathy Baker are their usual reliable selves, playing Johns' good friend Freddy Ross and his wife Margie. John Malkovich gives the proceedings a major shot in the arm in the second half, playing a wary, hard-hitting interrogator.
A big box office dud in its time, "Jennifer Eight" proved to be such a problematic experience for Robinson that he wouldn't make another film for 19 years; his comeback film was the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation "The Rum Diary".
All in all, this is certainly watchable for thriller lovers, although nothing special.
Six out of 10.