The Jackal
The Jackal

The Jackal

1997Movie124 minEnglish

Hired by a powerful member of the Russian mafia to avenge an FBI sting that left his brother dead, a psychopathic hitman known only as The Jackal proves an elusive target for the people charged with the task of bringing him down: a deputy FBI director, a Russian MVK Major, and a jailed IRA terrorist who can recognize him.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes22%
Metacritic30/100
Google Users57%
Director: Michael Caton-JonesGenres: Action, Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A notorious and elusive international assassin known as The Jackal is hired by the Russian mafia to kill a prominent figure in the United States. A decorated Russian Deputy Interior Minister and a determined FBI agent must team up to track down the elusive killer before he can complete his deadly mission. Their race against time takes them through a dangerous cat-and-mouse game across continents, as they attempt to uncover the assassin's identity and thwart his plans.

Critical Reception

The Jackal received largely negative reviews from critics, who found its plot predictable and its action sequences uninspired. While the performances of Bruce Willis and Richard Gere were occasionally noted, the film was generally criticized for its weak script and reliance on clichés. Audience reception was mixed, with some enjoying the straightforward action, while others were disappointed by its lack of originality compared to the 1973 original.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a convoluted plot and uninspired action sequences.
  • Bruce Willis's performance as the stoic assassin is a highlight, though not enough to save the movie.
  • A pale imitation of its predecessor, lacking suspense and originality.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a standard action thriller with a predictable plot. While some viewers appreciated the action and performances, many felt it was generic and forgettable.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Michael Caton-Jones, has stated that he was unhappy with the final cut of the film, feeling that the studio made numerous changes that compromised his original vision.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Niko

Niko

The Jackal is the kind of Thriller that does everything by the book. Most of the movie is comprised out of well-known and established tropes, it's got a packed cast and decent action scenes. It may not reinvent the wheel or keep you on your...
JPV852

JPV852

This is one I've seen several times over the years and while certainly not great and it is funny hearing Richard Gere with an Irish accent and the numerous hair changes with Bruce Willis, I still find it watchable and somewhat entertaining....
Wuchak

Wuchak

Globetrotting pursuit of a master-of-disguise assassin RELEASED IN 1997 and directed by Michael Caton-Jones, "The Jackal” is an international crime thriller about a joint FBI/MVD mission (led by Sidney Poitier and Diane Venora) that enli...