Jennifer’s Body – DVD Review

The Film:

As men, why do we go for the girls that we know will rip out our hearts and not even care? My mom always warned me about those girls, and damned if I didn’t listen. She tells me to go for the nice, sweet girl. In fact, even at my age, she requested that my New Year Resolution this year should be no more slutty heart-breakers. But I just can’t help it, especially when Jennifer Check strolls on by. That girl can unwrap me, chew me up, get bored with the taste, and spit me out, and when I’m left picking up the pieces, those words of wisdom echo in the back of my head. I should have went for Needy Lesnicky, the wholesome, good, sweet girl. Sorry, mom.

It should not be a surprise that Diablo Cody’s second film is a horror-comedy. She proved her genre knowledge and respect in Juno, when Ellen Page and Jason Bateman discussed who is better: Dario Argento or H.G. Lewis? The girl has got some mad props from me ever since, and I became a fan of her writing from the Juno script, to her memoir Candy Girl, even her fun article in EW, I find her wordage to be brisk and clever. I know there are people out there who get irritated with her hipster, text messaging speak and so be it. The girl can write and has something different to say, so I respect that she’s doing it successfully in Hollywood where it’s tough to find a strong female voice.

Jennifer’s Body is pretty much just a lot of fun. Most of it comes from Cody’s dialogue, and the banter between Jennifer (Megan Fox) and Needy (Amanda Seyfried). They’ve been life long best friends, even though Jennifer is popular and promiscuous, a counter point to Needy’s bookworm, wholesome appeal. Cody plays a lot with that angle, and that’s where the film gathers its dramatic tension. In fact, the horror takes a back seat most of the time, even though it permeates through the film, I’m sure those expecting a full-on horror flick, will be disappointed by those false expectations. But don’t get that twisted either, because Cody stages a few creepy moments, especially Jennifer’s first scene of demonic appearance. I like how Cody plays with our questions of who and what Jennifer is. Of course, she reveals it towards the climax, but we’re left with questions like, is it vampiric? Is she possessed? A demon?. I think this works in the film’s favor, because it keeps us intrigued and guessing, and it helps add the creep into a film that isn’t really scary.

Director Karyn Kusama keeps the film flowing, never allowing the dialogue to slow down the film, but to progress it naturally. Probably the most impressive thing about Jennifer’s Body is how good Megan Fox is. If you think all she can do is play a vapid starlet like in How to Lose Friends and Alienate People or just to look hot and bend over motorcycles, think again. She handles the film’s toughest task tenfold, that is Cody’s dialogue. Regardless, of if she auditioned for the role, or was the best actress for Jennifer, her casting is ideal for her current celebrity status and all of that weight she brings to the film just by placing her name on the poster. Adding Fox immediately piques interest in the project, and it is stunt cast at its finest. Most importantly, she succeeds and is one of the main reasons that the film is a lot of fun.

Jennifer’s Body has this vibe throughout it all and while the film’s plot and story structure are rather simple, having a horror film told through the eyes and mouths of women, adds something special to the project. Kusama is no stranger to femininity, as with her debut film Girlfight and even the big budgeted Aeon Flux (don’t forget her stint on the L Word). Of course, Diablo is a female and the film follows two female leads, but it’s a breathe of fresh air in the horror genre to get this female point of view on the horror conventions. Cody is smart. She knows her stuff and it shows in the film, and in one scene in particular: the sex scene a staple of any teen horror film, she stages Needy first time with a boy she really loves, with sensuality and juxtaposes it against the more aggressive, borderline cannibalistic sex scene between Jennifer and her victim. This duality is unique much like her complete take on the horror genre in this film. This will undoubtedly throw many horror fans for a loop, due to it being different. I suspect many won’t get it the first time through, and many will dislike the film for it not being what we expect from a typical horror film.

For me, Diablo Cody has crafted a really fun film, filled with creepiness, comedy, and one delicious man-eater. I’m swooning.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: The audio is loud and clear. The soundtrack gets an added boost in the bass, with some rear speaker activity. Horror films always have a solid sound design that translate well to DVD, and this film is no exception. Dialogue is the film’s focus, and we’re treated to a great track that is active, yet we can clearly hear Cody’s dialogue.

While I’ll recommend the Blu-ray over this sight unseen, for obvious reasons, this DVD won’t disappoint. Clarity is strong, colors and blacks are deep and eye-catching, making for a strong DVD outing from 20th Century Fox.

Commentary Tracks: Director Karyn Kusama and writer Diablo Cody discuss the film on one track, while Karyn flies solo on the second of the two tracks on the disc. The first track covers the theatrical cut, and is a breeze, as they discuss the influences and various inside behind-the-scenes info.

The second track focuses on the Unrated Cut of the film, as Kusama covers the changes. Sorry, no Megan Fox nudity is included, but there’s plenty of dialogue extentions, along with some rearranging of scenes, that makes for a different feeling cut of the film. It’s not a radical change, but a more alternative look at Jennifer’s Body, that as Kursama put “raises the freak flag higher”. This cut won’t change your opinion, if you disliked it already, but for fans, it’s a neat inclusion. Which to prefer? You decide.

Besides some Trailers, this disc is pretty much void of extra features, but the Blu-ray has far more extras of various quality.

Conclusion: As you can tell, I really enjoyed Jennifer’s Body, as a fun and sexy ride. Cody’s second feature script didn’t disappoint, Kusama proves to be an interesting female director, and Fox is Fox (hot). Seek the Blu-ray, if you have that option, otherwise this DVD is a fine disc.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: