Jennifer

source: Jennifer

Jennifer

I only saw the last half-hour of this film. I have been looking all over the four corners of the earth and finally found it available for order on the internet. When I see the whole thing, I'll make additional comments. I'm tired of maudlin films with reprehensible characters who get killed or suffer misfortune, only to have the other characters weeping or remorseful over the misfortune that character deserved to get. But that's not the case with Jennifer. It is uncompromising and doesn't pull any punches when exacting revenge on many of the film's vicious characters. Some of you have criticized the effects, but be understanding that without today's digital and computer effects, they were limited in what they could do. A good effort, with some reasonably well-known stars adding spice to the film.

I received my videotape of Jennifer today and I saw it. While the effects near the end were a little shoddy, it was an overall good effort. The writing, acting, character development and suspense were very good. If they had today's digital effects with which to do the snake attack scenes, the film could have been a gem.

An outcast girl in a high school with an ultra-religious parent. A mean-spirited popular girl. A sympathetic teacher. And then, lo and behold, the bullied girl turns out to have an unusual ability. Sound like the plot of Stephen King's "Carrie"? Everyone's bound to note "Jennifer"'s similarities. Nonetheless, this movie turns out to be a lot of fun. You're sure to enjoy it, and it's sure to shock you. Director Brice Mack spent many years as a Disney animator. Co-star Florida Friebus is best known for "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". Other co-star Amy Johnston died earlier this year.

Forget all comparisons to Carrie and enjoy this movie for what it was meant to be - a simple and entertaining departure, in the guise of a brief morality play, without the usual strain toward art and artifice. Enjoy the absurdity of the quality of the 'special effects'. Does a giant snake have to "look real" ? There's no need for literalism when you have an imagination. Lisa Pelikan is emphatic in the lead role, and Bert Convy is adequate in his supporting role ( I LOVE THE 70's ! ! ! ), but pay attention to Louise Hoven as Jane Delano. She is the heart and soul of the movie because she is any one of us. We make mistakes while trying to fit in with the 'in' crowd. We are used for our resources, are victimized, and then, finally, lash back at our abusers. I can't see this movie enough. And, if schmaltz is your pleasure, you'll love the intro and exit songs.

There are a lot of similarities between Carrie and Jennifer (over-religious single parent, school snobbery, pent up anger sparking supernatural revenge, and I guess even at one point toward the end having Jennifer looking remarkably similar to Margaret White at the end of Carrie). Jennifer's power involves control over snakes, whereas Carrie had control over practically everything. Jennifer is played by Lisa Peliken, who is excellent in this. She gets a scholarship to a ritzy school, and her poor background and lack of wealth make her an easy target. She almost instantly gets on the bad side of the biggest clique in the school, led by Chris Hargensen-like Sandra. The special effects (especially a giant snake) are poor, but it is a fun, dated movie to watch.

It's Carrie!! With snakes!! Only it's complete s**t!! Yes folks, forget about school dances and buckets of pigs blood... here you have rubber vipers and hammy acting ahoy. EVERYONE is a stereotype with annoying put-on accents and awkward dialogue, while the so-called 'scary' scenes feel like something out of a bad spoof. The unfathomable truth that this was supposed to be a horror will go down as one of the great mysteries in life. Even the twee opening song is 50 Shades Of Crap. Try listening to it without your ears imploding. Does it do anything right? Well, it has an ending. That's something... right? RIGHT? 2/10

Jennifer is a poor and hard-working student and she possesses a power over snakes,an ability to control them and communicate with them.Her father Luke is a mentally unstable religious nut.The worst of all some wealthy students led by cruel Sandra constantly harass Jennifer at school.Sandra turns many other students and teachers against Jennifer including the school's headmistress.Eventually Jennifer gets revenge on her cruel classmates with the help of her snakes.Vastly enjoyable and fun to watch "Carrie" clone with likable main character.There is no gore,but if you like your horror cheesy and entertaining you can't go wrong with "Jennifer".I'd love to have a date with such a pretty girl.7 out of 10.