Blood Work
Clint Eastwood's Blood Work is a refreshing reminder that Hollywood's
young Turks can still learn a lesson from good old-fashioned
craftsmanship. Settling into an easygoing groove that recalls his early
work in Play Misty for Me, the 72-year-old producer-director-star
acknowledges his age by playing a retired FBI profiler and recent
heart-transplant recipient. He's recruited by his heart donor's
grieving sister (Wanda De Jesus) to find her dead sibling's killer, and
personal obligation compels his dutiful but health-risking
investigation. From a sharp, sensible script by L.A. Confidential
Oscar® winner Brian Helgeland (from Michael Connelly's novel),
Blood Work consistently plays to Eastwood's no-nonsense approach,
elevating the mystery while giving Jeff Daniels (as Eastwood's neighbor
and amateur sidekick) a substantial role in the suspenseful
proceedings. Some may chuckle at a brief Eastwood-De Jesus love scene,
but there's ample proof here that Clint's still got all the right
moves.