Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wrongfully accused woman plots revenge; language, violence.
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Double Jeopardy
What's the Story?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY is a legal term that refers to the constitutional ban on trying a person for the same crime twice. Libby Ashley Judd)) was living a perfect life with her husband, real estate tycoon Nick (Bruce Greenwood), and their young son Matty. Little does she know that he's been embezzling and his financial empire is unraveling. He solves his problem by framing his wife for murder—his own. She's put away for six years while Nick, who is having an affair with Libby's friend, disappears and starts over again under an assumed name. They've taken the kid, too. From prison, Libby cleverly tracks them down, patiently playing a long game. She behaves well enough to earn early parole so she can find her child and, if necessary, kill Nick with no legal repercussions since she supposedly can't be tried twice for his murder. Will she get away with it?
Is It Any Good?
This film should be better than it is. While Greenwood is delightfully oily, Judd is both whip-smart and unswervingly determined, and Tommy Lee Jones as the parole officer is as ironical and brainy as always, the script lets them down as it descends into absurdity.
Is Libby's relentless, no-matter-what-weather strength-and-endurance training in prison meant to persuade us that the delicate woman is up for any physical task she may confront as she pursues her wily "dead" husband"? When Libby evades the police by stopping at her parents' home, isn't that he obvious place for the police to look for her? When shots are fired in a hotel, why does it take so long for anyone to hear them and come to help? When it's suggested that after Libby proves her innocence she should be pardoned, it's as if everyone has forgotten all the serious crimes, besides murder, she's committed in her quest to defy all authority and find her son. It's the kind of movie that starts with promise but ultimately disappoints because it leaves all good sense behind.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways in which the plot seems unrealistic. Do you believe someone would drive a car off a ferry while handcuffed to the car? Does it matter if this feels farfetched?
What do you think of Libby as a person as she ruthlessly seeks to right a wrong? Is she a role model? Why or why not?
If you could update this movie, how would you do it? Who would you cast, and how could you improve it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 1999
- Cast : Ashley Judd , Tommy Lee Jones , Bruce Greenwood
- Director : Bruce Beresford
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, a scene of sexuality and some violence
- Last updated : July 7, 2025
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