Retired FBI profiler Terry MaCaleb (Clint Eastwood) who recently had a heart transplant, is hired by a woman (Wanda DeJesus) whose sisters' heart ended up in Terry after she was murdered in a convenience store robbery. DeJesus wants Terry to find the person who murdered her sister because Terry owes it to her because he wouldn't be alive if her sister hadn't died. After some investigation Terry begins to suspect that the murder wasn't random and is connected to another murder that took place at an ATM machine. But what is the connection? The film stars and is produced and directed by Clint Eastwood. DeJesus, Anjelica Huston, and Jeff Daniels costar in the film.
Clint Eastwood thrillers are like an old shoe in that they are familiar and comfortable to watch. You know what to expect yet the film still manages to be fairly entertaining. Blood Work is no different in feel than earlier Eastwood films such as True Crime. The film allows you the viewer to follow the investigation on your own and place the clues yourself. Don't be surprised if you start to wish that you had the writing pad that Eastwood uses in the film to write the clues down so that you can act like a detective along with the big screen one in the film. The film also smartly makes Terry's heart condition more than just a gimmick; it actually comes into play late in the film. The acting is universally good as Eastwood once again brings his ample presence and personality to what is an otherwise familiar character. DeJesus is good as the resolute but deeply hurt sister who wants the person that murdered her sister to pay for their sins. Daniels once again is able to meld together both serious and comedic personalities into what is a very interesting character in Terry's neighbor. Huston is probably the weakest performer in the film because her doctor character doesn't have much to do other than scold Terry about how the case is bad for his blood pressure and overall health.
The only negatives that I found in the film are few and far between. They include the fact that more astute viewers may think that they know who the killer is and what their motive is long before Terry discovers himself. Another negative is that the film unfortunately goes with a typical Hollywood finale instead of something a little more low-key and effective.
But those are just small quibbles in what is an above average serial killer thriller.
Rating: 85
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