Jack's Back Movie Review

Jack's Back is a well-made “B” film, with surprisingly little violence for a tale about a latter-day Jack the Ripper. James Spader, who paid his dues playing one-dimensional villains in a succession of teen flicks, is quite good in a dual role as twins caught up in the case. Salvador's Cynthia Gibb plays an interesting, resourceful heroine in this promising effort by writer/director Rowdy Herrington. Chris Mulkey, a likable actor in 1988's abysmal Patti Rocks, is seventh-billed as a police detective and he gives considerable texture to the small role. The script takes the time to provide a context for each character and every plot twist, which makes it stand out from other films of the genre. An understated, low-key entry like Jack's Back had difficulty attracting an audience during its brief theatrical run, but it's a pleasure to see Spader and Gibb show what they can do with some decent material at this stage of their careers. Note: Herrington's future efforts would include Road House, Gladiator, and Striking Distance.

1987 (R) 97m/C James Spader, Cynthia Gibb, Rod Loomis, Rex Ryon, Robert Picardo, Jim Haynie, Chris Mulkey, Danitza Kingsley, Wendell Wright; D: Rowdy Herrington; W: Rowdy Herrington; C: Shelly Johnson. VHS, LV, Closed Caption