On J List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


The Jackal (1997)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 1/13

Jack1
1/13: The Jackal is a complete remake of The Day of the Jackal that was originally penned by Frederick Forsyth which was later made into a movie with Edward Fox.

I've read the book and seen the original film; hence, I should be able to make comparisons. Out of these three, I prefer the book the most except that I hate the ending because I was rooting for the Jackal to succeed.

As for the assassin, I like Bruce Willis' performance and think it's nearly the best part of the film. The changes in his disguise are interesting, and the less he talks, the more mysterious his character is. My favorite part is when the Jackal slaughtered the odious Jack Black. It's what he deserves. To compare Bruce Willis with Edward Fox, it's hard to say, but I like them both equally.

On the other hand, I don't know why the filmmakers had to include Richard Gere. He adds nothing of substance; however, the casting of Sidney Poitier for his final film appearance is perfect although he should've gotten more solo screen time as sort of a detective. Another ruinous aspect is Diane Venora as the scar-faced Russian female agent who keeps trying hard to look cool. Luckily, her character was killed off early to save me the grief. As bad as she is, the ending is hard to sit through.

All in all, The Jackal is a decent remake of The Day of the Jackal although I prefer the latter.