Review of Double Jeopardy (1999) by Mike D — 06 Oct 2012

The late 90s was a time rich with notable thrillers and suspense films, and 'Double Jeopardy' is one of the standouts from this era. A strong cast led by Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones justifies that revenge-filled storyline, which finds the wife of a wealthy man wrongfully accused of his death, only to discover that he is in fact living a secret life.

At the center of 'Jeopardy' is the bond Judd's character has with her son, which is a recurring theme that helps humanize her considering the heavy actions she's accused of. One thing the film does exceptionally well is it showcases New Orleans, as the climax takes place in the city.

Since very few films seem to venture down to this area, which has one of the most unique cultural experiences in the entire country, it's nice to see it featured so prominently. While there are some scenes that feature less than stellar acting performances (the courtroom scene at the beginning comes to mind), overall they do a good job on the acting front.

The pacing does not feel uneven - instead, the film moves fairly rapidly. Despite the dark subject matter, 'Double Jeopardy' is a smart, stylish, and creative - all of which are elements of any great piece of cinema.