'Jennifer's Body' review

Johnny Simmons and Megan Fox (Credit: Doane Gregory/20th Century Fox)

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Jennifer (Megan Fox) is the hottest girl in the small town of Devil's Kettle (and, according to some, the hottest girl in the world, since she's played by Fox). Her best friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), isn't as genetically blessed, but she's been loyal to Jennifer since they bonded in the sandbox as kids, despite the fact that Jennifer rarely treats her, or anyone else, with much respect. When rising emo band Low Shoulder come to town, Jennifer makes it a priority to meet the lead singer (Adam Brody), leading to a night that changes her forever. We don't immediately know why, but Jennifer develops a craving for human flesh and suddenly finds the boys in her class—including even Needy's boyfriend, Chip (Johnny Simmons)—very appetizing.

The buzz: A truly girl-powered horror movie, "Jennifer's Body" is written by "Juno" Oscar-winner Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama ("Girlfight," "Aeon Flux") and stars breakout actresses Fox and Seyfried. But does that mean a change of pace from the genre norm?

The verdict: A lot of strong elements that never really add up. Fox is savvy about using her sex appeal to her advantage, and gets some great dialogue from Cody to help give her more life on screen than she’s ever had before (ironic, since she’s playing someone undead). Seyfried’s performance goes beyond the standard horror heroine to uncover the inner life of a teen girl who hates her best friend whether either of them know it or not. Simmons is a promising male standout in a female-dominated project. And the first time we see Jennifer post-possession—when she’s caked in blood, spewing spiny black vomit on a kitchen floor—the movie seems set to deliver on its “Heathers” meets “Evil Dead” potential. But the tension never escalates, the stakes are raised in only perfunctory ways, there’s no connection with Jennifer’s victims and we never get a real feeling for Jennifer herself. Is her story tragic? Hilarious? Weirdly inspiring? It could have been, but instead “Jennifer’s Body” plays it safe and familiar. Juno would not be pleased.

Did you know? Fox described herself as "really healthy" after making "Transformers," so she claims to have shut herself in her house for awhile in order to prepare for Jennifer's more sickly demon-possessed moments.

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