Jennifer's Body (2009)

As an avid movie fan and faithful reviewer, I found 2009 to be full of some over the top hits that delighted me, and even more that left me cold. Two sleeper hits snuck up on me and won me over, one was zombieland, the other was jennifer's body, a somewhat misunderstood movie based on a myriad of reviews both on here and on Netflix. While I am not a huge fan of the teens who love to cripple each other film genre, two I did love, heathers, and the craft, got my attention through ultra dark humor and game actors. Though jennifer's body is no heathers, diablo cody has forced me to add this film to my short list. I have read many of the reviews, from discussions on the dialouge, the hatred of megan fox, and how more was expected from the director of juno (she is the writer, not the director of this film), but as a result the point is missed, this a fun film, edgy and creepy when it needs to be, and spot on regarding high school girls and their eternal issues. As step father to a 16 year old, I have seen the meaness, hurt, and cruelty that can come from girls who go from friends to competitors, and it is gory emotional stuff. Megan fox I believe does a good job in this film, you even discover, as is often true, that the villain is often a victim first before they become a predator, or in this case a demon when she is transformed during an occult ritual gone horribly wrong (as if they are ever supposed to go right) conducted by a bunch of sadistic rockers looking for fame and fortune by sacraficing a virgin. The cast around her is game and you will be qouting this movie for weeks. A conventional third act is the films weak link, ans keeps it from becoming classic. Despite this you may find yourself with a grudging respect for the effort cody puts into this film. This one goes on my fun Saturday night movie shelf. Do give it a chance and you just might enjoy jennifer's body.

Reviewed by JR