Double Jeopardy (1999)

Such a frustrating disappointment

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Double Jeopardy doesn't exactly work as it's portrayed in this movie, but it's still a terrific film. Imagine The Fugitive (with Tommy Lee Jones in both films as the pursuer!) with a woman in the title role. Ashley Judd is framed for her husband's murder and sentenced to prison. While there, she learns through clever detective work that her husband is still alive, learns about double jeopardy, gets paroled, and starts tracking down for "revenge."The action is tense and exciting and the story is terrific, and all the stars have good chemistry. Judd's performance really carries it.*** out of ****

A very interesting story, a little bit unusual and holds your interest for the entire video. Tommy Lee Jones is at his usual best and Ashley Judd is outstanding. There is plenty of action in this video by both of the stars. The story moves from various locales as it unfolds; thus making the story more interesting and appealing. This has become one of my favorite videos and I enjoy seeing it over again from time to time. The plot is wonderful and you have high class suspense and funny remarks! When Ashley Judd and hubby go on a romantic boating get away, Judd's husband sets her up for his murder. While in prison for 6 years for "killing her husband," she finds out, accidentally, that her husband is alive and well! When she gets out, her plan is revenge and getting her son back. Jones, her parole officer, must capture her for leaving "past curfew." This makes for Judd not only the hunter, but the hunted.Outstanding performances by Judd and Jones highlight this film, along with some nice touches by Beresford in keeping the tension high while moving it along at just the right pace. Judd makes Libby believable, infused with a vulnerability and determination that makes you pull for her; she's a strong woman who's been wronged, and you desperately want to see her get her life put back together. Jones is convincing as the hard-as-nails Lehman, who doesn't see parole as a second chance, but as a "last" chance. Beneath it all, however, you know that this is a man who also believes in justice, and will do what he can to make it so. Greenwood gives just the right touch of boorishness to Nick; he's like the successful used-car salesman you never want to have to deal with, and you wait for the moment when Libby will finally get her crack at him. The supporting cast includes Annabeth Gish (Angela), Michael Gaston (Cutter), Roma Maffia (Margaret) and Davenia McFadden (Evelyn). In a world in which the unjust too often prevail, it is gratifying to at least see the attempt made of putting things to right. "Double Jeopardy" does just that; it takes you on a wild ride and gives you hope at the same time. Maybe it's only a movie, but it's a good one.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Double Jeopardy (1999): Dir: Bruce Beresford / Cast: Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood, Annabeth Gish, Michael Gaston: Recycled crap told entirely through its theatrical trailer. It is basically The Fugitive starring a woman. Ashley Judd is sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of her husband. Her prints are found on the weapon yet she claims innocence. Her son is kept under supervision but one call leads to the suspicion that her husband isn't dead after all. This all boils down to revenge fantasy outcome. Director Bruce Beresford does his best but his cast travel familiar territory. Judd is playing Harrison Ford in drag and adds absolutely nothing new to the premise other than being a woman. After released she searches for answers and we all know where that leads. Tommy Lee Jones is ideal because he pursued Ford in The Fugitive, so he can merely recite. Bruce Greenwood as her so-called deceased husband is indeed despicable and nearly kills her. He will be placed in a difficult position when rendered to a choice. It is unfortunate that one of those choices wasn't choosing a different script to act in. Annabeth Gish plays Judd's friend whom she leaves her son with. This role is small yet pivotal and hopeless. Pointless recycling of a plot that we have seen hundreds of time in better films. The script was in double jeopardy from the start. Score: 2 / 10

Its not a great film in terms of plot, but nonetheless a good thriller movie that keeps you intrigued and interested. Double Jeopardy is about a beautiful lady called Elizabeth Parson (Ashley Judd) who 'apparently' murdered her husband on a yacht on one particular night. She has been prosecuted for her 'alleged' crime and served many years behind bars but during those years behind bars, she strongly suspects that he could still very well be alive, and she sets out to seek the truth and bring justice once she finishes her sentence. Problem is that despite serving her sentence, Elizabeth also known as Libby (Ashley Judd) is under parole for a further 2 years under the watchful eyes of a parole officer called Travis Lehman (Tommy Lee Jones) so Libby (Ashley Judd) has a very tough task in seeking out the truth about her husband despite her release. Like I have mentioned, the film was good which will keep the viewer interested, but plot to me seemed a tad weak and could've been a lot better. One of the major things that makes this film good is that it is emotional, you the viewer will strongly feel for the character that Ashley Judd played - Libby and will instantly support her mission in seeking out truth and justice. From a personal point of view, it is hard to swallow that an innocent and caring woman can be locked behind bars for several years, but the beautiful thing about it is that the character Libby can keep her composure and be so patient to seek the truth. I didn't want these sort of things to happen since I'm too emotional, even though its only a movie, but yeah it does get to you and this is what makes the film pretty good. Ashley Judd performance in this film was exceptional and Double Jeopardy has to be one of her best films to date I think. I gave it a 7 rating but that's only my opinion.