Rating of
3/4
Blood Work review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 02/20/12
A mystery suspense film with elements of film noir with the detective/crime scene, nihilistic morals, interrogation scene with Bolotov (shadows from the blinds, shadows and smoke during the battle with Buddy and Terry). An FBI profiler Terry McCaleb (Clint Eastwood) is given a second chance in his career due to a heart condition he suffered. Graciella Rivers Wanda De Jesus) asks Terry for a favor to find the killer of her sister. Dr. Bonnie Fox (Angelica Huston) is Terry’s cardiologist who gives him advice. Jasper "Buddy" Noone (Jeff Daniels) is a fellow boatman who lives across him and aids Terry in the investigation. It even had references in his earlier films like Dirty Harry (the guns used), desert (Unforgiven) and the like.
Screenplay was good with quotes from the film: Terry – “If you can't protect the integrity of the system, then there is no system.” Dr. Fox - “You have to respect your gift given to you.” The picture had themes from each character like Terry (just/doing good), Detective Ronaldo Arrango (envy), Buddy Noone (stalker tendencies/evil), Graciella (coping loss) and Dr. Bonnie (concern). In the special features, Eastwood calls Daniels an “underrated actor” and a “person who can play various roles.” It had humor and drama mixed well with enough action to satisfy your cravings in a mystery suspense flick. Blood Work keeps it simple yet effective, though it may not be popular compares to the director’s movies, it is still entertaining and pace is just right to keep you entertained until the conclusion with a twist which you can resolve by watching intently.
