Review of The Jackal (1997) by Andy N — 06 Jan 2008

I can't quite recommend The Jackal, especially when there's a far superior original version out there. This remake of the 1973 classic turns an intelligent, suspenseful thriller into a formula action film, yet for most of its length remains faithful to the original's spirit and reasonably entertaining to boot.

The adding Richard Gere + bad Irish accent was a big mistake, as was the ridiculous cop out ending. But Bruce Willis does a great job against type as the Jackal, and any flaws in the character can be blamed on the script rather than Willis.

This Jackal doesn't inspire the anti-heroic feeling of Edward Fox, his character being borderline psychotic, but he's still a compelling character. Sidney Poitier is solid in the de facto Michael Lonsdale role, and Diane Venora steals every scene she's in as a tough Russian policewoman.

Watchable in a brainless sort of way.