Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

A Gun for Jennifer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 17, 2024

1997’s “A Gun for Jennifer” is a study of vigilantism sold with coarseness from co-writers Deborah Twiss and Todd Morris (who also directs). It’s an exploitation film made during an era when such experiences were largely regulated to ultra low-budget features, endeavoring to return some roughness to the screen with its study of a female gang declaring war on predatory and violent men, with New York City the battle zone. “A Gun for Jennifer” attempts to lay in some plot to make the viewing experience a little more substantial, and it gets somewhere with an opening half dedicated to pace and vicious encounters. Twiss and Morris eventually lose concentration on storytelling basics, forcing the picture to crawl to a finale, but some raw energy remains in the movie, which definitely provides a snapshot of the city and its threatening atmosphere.

Jennifer (Deborah Twiss) has escaped a domestic violence situation in Ohio, only to arrive in New York City, where she’s immediately targeted for sexual assault by local creeps. Breaking up the attack is Jesse (Frieda Hoops) and her gang of female vigilantes, with Becky (Rene Alberta), Grace (Tracy Dillon), Priscilla (Veronica Cruz), and her sister, Trish (Shelia Schmidt), armed and ready to take out those who prey on women. Jennifer is reluctantly recruited to the group, who work at a local strip club to make money, studying the news to learn more about future targets, with Jesse completely committed to her murderous ways. On the case are detectives Perez (Benja Kay) and Grady (Joseph Pallister), who attempt to follow clues at the crime scenes, getting a better understanding of motivation as they pursue a suspect. For Jesse, an opportunity to make a statement arrives with Varna (Carl Jasper), a sexual deviant connected to a crime family, with the gang making plans to end his life, forcing Jennifer to look for a way out of certain doom.

“A Gun for Jennifer” doesn’t wait to introduce threats. It opens with a burst of violence, with a slimy man keeping a Polaroid collection of sexual assault victims taken down by Jesse’s gang, who castrate the target before killing him. Slicing off genitalia is part of Jesse’s plan, and Jennifer is soon pulled into her orbit when she’s saved from an attack, taking part in her assailant’s murder. The writing sets up a compelling point of pressure on the character, who simply wanted to escape her husband’s viciousness, only to be subjected to something worse in New York City. Jennifer is quickly turned into a soldier, provided with shooting lessons and employment at the club, which is something of a headquarters for the gang, trying to keep the peace in front of patrons. However, some of these customers aren’t respectful, with “A Gun for Jennifer” detailing attitude from two handsy soap opera actors who receive a taste of objectification before being violated with a stick.

To help add some dramatic urgency to “A Gun for Jennifer,” Perez and Grady are brought in, with the detectives on the case, getting a better understanding of the victims and their malicious activities. It’s the usual in tough cop material, watching the pair trade words with colleagues and devour lunches as they start to follow suspects, getting a better idea of Jesse’s gang. Unfortunately, a massive exposition dump offered at the middle of the movie becomes the moment when “A Gun for Jennifer” goes from something angry to something mediocre, as the writing attempts to create an ultimate goal of revenge with Varna, only he’s not prioritized enough as a character to really matter to the climax. The picture gets bogged down in infighting and police chatter, losing the primal sense of rage that helps to power introductory scenes and Jennifer’s arc.

A Gun for Jennifer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 16mm original camera negative." There's some mild color flickering that appears on occasion, but the viewing experience remains inviting and film-like. Grain is heavy and capably resolved. Detail reaches as far as possible, exploring the grungy interiors of the New York City location, and exteriors deliver depth. Skin particulars are appreciable, including makeup additions. Clothing is also decently fibrous. Skin tones are natural. Primaries are stable, examining decorative additions and city signage. Costuming is also distinct, along with red blood. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in decent condition, with some wear and tear, and a few scratches.

A Gun for Jennifer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix deals with the low-budget nature of the production. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with argumentative behavior never slipping into distortion. Music offers decent support, mostly working with soundtrack selections from era-specific punk-ish bands, retaining such rowdy instrumentation and fuzzy vocals. Sound effects are sharp, dealing with gunshots and assorted violence. Urban and club atmospherics are appreciable.

A Gun for Jennifer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) includes an essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Commentary features co-writer/producer/actress Deborah Twiss and co-writer/director Todd Morris.

• "The Making of 'A Gun for Jennifer'" (49:52, HD) features interviews with co-writer/director Todd Morris, co- writer/producer/actress Deborah Twiss, cinematographer David Tumblety, and actors Joseph Pallister, Benja Kay, Beth Dodye Bass, Joe Hone, and Veronica Cruz. Collecting conversations from a variety of sources, the featurette seeks to understand the creative foundation for the project. Twiss recalls her early professional struggles, befriending Morris along the way, ending up at Billy's Topless Bar, getting to understand her fellow dancers and the rudeness of men. Inspiration struck, and a screenplay was born. Meeting a "Guardian Angel" investor while on the job, financing was found, allowing the team to commence production on "A Gun for Jennifer." Audition stories are shared, with the cast pulled together from unusual sources (Hone was dating one of the strippers), creating a flavorful mix of talent. Shooting commenced in 1993, working with New York City of the day, with its roughness and unexpected elements. Tales from the production are shared, highlighting cast camaraderie and professional challenges, including special effects and a general lack of safety measures. Praise for Morris is shared by all, celebrating his comforting presence. Candor is also included, as firings eventually occurred and a financial mess started to form near the end of the shoot, threatening the future of the picture, along with Morris and Twiss's mental health. Twiss also offers brief tours of the city as it stands today, identifying radical changes in the area.

• And a Trailer (2:04, HD) is included.

A Gun for Jennifer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"A Gun for Jennifer" carries some nervous energy, boosted by a lively soundtrack of punk-adjacent tunes and a live club performance to help pad the feature. Performances are mostly alert as well, understanding the broadness Morris is going for as he comes close to campiness, preferring some viciousness instead. It connects as intended for 45 minutes, paying tribute to the Female Revenge Movie Gods while endeavoring to make a mess of its own in NYC. However, the writing doesn't build into welcome chaos. It retreats into convention and retains some indecision when it comes time to settle on a story it wants to tell. "A Gun for Jennifer" is messy, and that's the point of it, but the production doesn't maintain inspiration, becoming a subpar Troma film instead.