“Twisted” (Paramount Pictures)
Ashley Judd is usually at her best when playing a woman in jeopardy. Films like “Kiss the Girls” and “Double Jeopardy” were two of her biggest box office successes. So it would seem that “Twisted,” in which she plays a woman fighting for her sanity, would be a natural hit for her. It isn’t.
The movie suffers from the Andy Garcia curse. He is Judd’s co-star in this movie and plays his role with his usual efficiency. But Andy has never had a major hit. His movies are always just a little below expectations. Seriously, can you name a major hit he was in
In “Twisted” Judd plays Police Inspector Jessica Shepard. She has been raised by John Mills, the Police Commissioner (Samuel L Jackson), following the deaths of her father and mother. Her father was Mills’ partner at the time of his death.
Jessica is a woman with anger issues and more than once they have gotten her into trouble on the job. But Mills is solidly behind her and she is quickly rising in the ranks. After her latest promotion she draws Mike Delmarco (Garcia) as her partner.
Jessica and Delmarco catch a case where a man has been murdered and a cigarette burn is on his hand. Jessica recognizes the victim as someone she knew briefly and intimately. Later a second body is found with the same marking on his hand. He also is someone Jessica knew. It seems there is a serial killer who is eliminating people in Jessica’s past.
The problem is that Jessica has been suffering from blackout spells. This may have something to do with her drinking too much, or it may be because she is the murderer. As the evidence piles up Jessica even begins to doubt herself.
The plot sounds good on paper but the actual presentation on the screen is lukewarm and illogical. A little bit of suspense is generated but most discerning members of the audience will have it all figured out long before Jessica does.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and brief nudity.
Judd has never looked better than she does in this film. Plus she has the physical strength to make her action sequences believable. Garcia is okay as her partner, and Jackson is formidable as the Commissioner.
With a cast this talented, “Twisted” should have been a better film. Something just didn’t click and the twists and turns are just too convoluted to be believed.
I scored “Twisted” a knotted 4 out of 10.
