Eye For Film >> Movies >> Jennifer's Body (2009) Film Review
Jennifer's Body
Reviewed by: Darren Amner
Jennifer's Body is a darkly comedic cult-classic. It's an unusual film that tries hard to be different - perhaps a little too hard, which is ultimately its undoing. Jennifer is a high school cheerleader who gets possessed by a hungry demon who has an insatiable appetite for high school boys - quite literally.
In her first proper lead role, Megan Fox - as Jennifer the gorgeous, popular girl - isn't really a stretching herself as an actress. She certainly has the body for it but the most interesting aspect is her previously untapped comic timing, which is deviously delicious.
Director Kusama pays homage to other horror movies with her choice of tracking shots and point-of-view angles, but she struggles to give this movie its own unique style. Fortunately the script makes up for this shortfall. Praise must go to hot property scriptwriter Diablo Cody, whose pop culture references instantly increase her characters' likability and coolness. Cody's talent helps make this movie more appealing than your average teen horror film.
Amanda Seyfried plays Needy, Jennifer's best friend, who battles with her to try to stop her from eating all the town's men. Seyfried offers great balance as the alternative lead, and her relationship with Chip (Johnny Simmons) provides some of the film's highlights, as their chemistry on-screen is fantastic.
Jennifer's Body is a sexy, smart-mouthed horror that cannot be knocked for ambition or cleverness. At times it does try a little too hard to be hip, but it cannot be faulted for having the balls to stand up to the usual slasher type films and demand to be noticed.
Reviewed on: 11 Oct 2009