Double Jeopardy

Ashley Judd struts her star power as Libby, a wife and mother whose idyllic life is shattered when her husband (Bruce Greenwood) mysteriously disappears during a sailing vacation. No body is found, but there's a lot of blood and a knife, which Libby happens to be holding. After being convicted, she arranges for her best friend to adopt her beloved son before she's incarcerated. So, you can imagine her unhappy surprise when she discovers that her husband faked his death, and that he is living with her best friend and son. Does Libby call a lawyer? No: "running on pure hate," she pumps herself up and plots to kill hubby (for real) upon her release, courtesy of the "double jeopardy" Constitutional amendment that prohibits someone from being charged with the same crime twice. Never mind the other laws she breaks, most notably breaking and entering (to locate an address) and violating her parole. If you're a fugitive, who better to be on your trail than Tommy Lee Jones, all but reprising his Oscar-winning role as Lt. Girard. I cannot recommend this implausible thriller, but like Waiting To Exhale, it apparently touched some kind of chord. Despite overwhelmingly negative reviews, Double Jeopardy topped the box office chart for weeks and brought in more than $100 million. Go figure. (K. Lee Benson)