Jeff Daniels Weekend – Blood Work (2002)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writer: Brian Helgeland (Screenplay) Michael Connelly (Novel)

Starring:

• Clint Eastwood (Yojimbo)
• Jeff Daniels (Looper, Lookout)
• Anjelica Huston (Trouble)
• Wanda De Jesus
• Tina Lifford (A Gift for Christmas)
• Paul Rodriguez
• Dylan Walsh

 

Plot: Still recovering from a heart transplant, a retired FBI profiler returns to service when his own blood analysis offers clues to the identity of a serial killer.

 

There may be spoilers the rest of the review

 

Verdict: Good Crime Thriller

 

Story: Blood Work starts when a serial killer has struck once more leaving yet another note for FBI profiler Terry McCaleb (Eastwood), when Terry finds the killer in the crowd he sets of in pursuit which leads to him having a heart attack. Two years later Terry has had a heart transplant and retired from the force living on a house boat.

When Terry learns whose heart he received from the sister Graciella Rivers (Jesus) who asked him to look into her sister murder. Terry teams up with his neighbour Buddy (Daniels) to try and uncover who committed the murder that could in fact be a string of murders, but the truth could be even more shocking than Terry could have ever imagined.

Blood Work is what you would call a great crime thriller that is trying to give us plenty of twists along the way as the old timer solves a crime that the current force fails to uncover. I am a big fan of this genre, they are a gentle watch with well-developed character and add in the cat and mouse between authority and serial killer is a good watch. This does have a few flaws in the final outcome but otherwise it is a very well put together thriller.

 

Actor Review

 

Clint Eastwood: Terry McCaleb is the retired FBI profiler who has recently received a heart transplant, when he learns how the person whose heart he received died he sets out to solve her murder using all of his skills to find the killer. Clint gives us a performance you are happy to see him at his age taking here he still has presence.

Jeff Daniels: Jasper ‘Buddy’ Noone is the friendly neighbour of Terry’s who goes on the investigation with Terry but his over friendliness could be hiding something more personal to Terry. Jeff gives us a great supporting performance that shows he can play any role.

Anjelica Huston: Dr Bonnie Fox is the doctor trying to make Terry keep his life calm as his body adapts to the new heart, she gets angry while he is on the case but knowns he means well. Anjelica gives us a solid supporting performance without being involved too much.

Wanda De Jesus: Graciella Rivers is the sister of one of the victims that just so happens to get her heart given to Terry, she asks Terry to look into her murder as the two get closer as they learn the truth. Wanda gives us a good performance in the supporting role.

Support Cast: Blood Work has a good supporting cast even though they come off generic.

Director Review: Clint Eastwood – Clint gives us a good crime thriller that does keep you guessing for a while.

 

Action: Blood Work has basic action without having to turn to it every time.

Crime: Blood Work gives a crime to solve through the film.

Mystery: Blood Work keeps us wondering to what is going on with the story.

Thriller: Blood Work keeps us on the edge of our seat as we watch what will go on.

Settings: Blood Work doesn’t have too many iconic settings but ends with an important setting with final twist.

Suggestion: Blood Work is one for crime thriller fans to watch but the slow pace could turn people off this show. (Crime Fans)

 

Best Part: Final act.

Worst Part: Slow in places.

 

Believability: No

Chances of Tears: No

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

 

Oscar Chances: No

Budget: $50 Million

Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes

Tagline: A serial killer is just a heartbeat away

 

Overall: Slow moving thriller that keeps us guessing

Rating