Double Jeopardy (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Strong acting helps the slow plot and poor camera work

[gbalfour · 5/10 · 7 March 2002]

My cable company described this as the theatrical "Double Jeopardy" which I had not seen. After about 20 minutes, I suspected this was the wrong "Double Jeopardy" and felt a bit cheated. But, the story held my interest and the performance of the actors overcame the low budget cinematography.

For a 'made for television' movie, it was better than most but would not have done well on the big screen. Still, well worth taking a look at if the opportunity arises.

Saturday January 9, 1993: Day of Deception

[sol-kay · 6/10 · 20 March 2007]

**SPOILERS** The movie starts just before 400:PM on 1/09/93 as we see young Julia Neuland, Brittany Murphy, walking to her job at the Time Out convenient store as she's picked up by some stranger as we never get to see his face. Later with a gun pointed to her head in the strangers pick-up truck the movie rewinds some six years back in time were we get to see just what lead up to this, what looks like, murderous event.

Being young and impressionable 16 year old Julia Neuland is working at her first job as a waitress at this dinner in the seedier part of town as she meets handsome and personable, as well as fellow Polish/American, policeman John Dubroski, Joe Penny, as one of her customers. Dubroski being very friendly toward Julia has her smitten by his charming and witty personality as soon as they meet. For the next three years the two meet at the diner, and later the Time Out connivance store, where they slowly fall in love.

Dubroski feeling that it's now all right, after three years, to make his move on Julia in that she's of the age, 19 years old, of consent the two get it on in the back seat of his pick-up truck in this deserted area, or lovers lane, at the Gunpowder Falls National Park. Within weeks Julia finds out that she's pregnant and Dubroski is the father. Dubroski who's married and has two kids one teenage Derek Kaminski, Shawn Hatosty, from another marriage is determined for Julia to get an abortion and goes as far as him willing to pay for it which has the shocked Julia, who thought all this time that the big lug was in love with her. This tryst is nothing compared when Duboski's old lady Cindy, Teri Garr, finds out about her husbands infidelity. Cindy opens up a letter containing a blood test from the John Hopinks Medical Center confirming that the baby ,Robert Joseph Neuland, that Julia had was definitely Dubroski's child! Cindy had no idea up until then that her husband was cheating on her!

We have Dubroski starting to lose it as he's in danger of losing his family with a wild and outraged Cindy beating the sh*t out of him in front of his kids as the big tough cop cowers in a corner pleading and whimpering, like a frightened little boy, for her to please stop. Patching things up with Cindy Dubroski is still very possessive of his now lost love Julia. When he finds out that she's going out with a young and handsome police trainee Eric, Thomas Mitchell, he completely goes off the deep end and that's when we come to where the movie started; 1/09/93 and the last moments on earth for the tragic Julia Neuland.

For some strange reason the movie never lets us know who was the person who kidnapped and murdered Julia even though it's more then obvious that is was her crazed and off-the-wall ex-lover John Dubroski. Dubroski is so cool and calm at what happened to Julia, until he's told about it at the precinct, that you get the impression that he could not have possibly murdered her! This shows just what a total psycho and sociopath the guy really is. It's at Dubroski's trial that we really get to see what goes on in Dubroski's very disturbed mind when he gets his not so on the ball step-son Derek to implicate himself in Julia's murder. Thus getting Dubroski off in an elaborate plan to then admit, after he's found innocent, his guilt and have Derek released with the fact of double-jeopardy keeping Dubroski from standing trial again for the same crime!

***SPOILERS*** Dubroski's evil yet birdbrain plan falls completely apart with nobody believing the obviously not all there Derek. The fact that he was idiotic enough to tell what he was going to do to his, now former, girlfriend Melanie, who testified in court to it, made Dubroski's conviction for murder a foregone conclusion. In the end we get to see the big jerk, John Dubroski, crying his eyes out and proclaiming his innocence as he's sentenced to life on January 6, 1994. Almost a year to the day after he murdered Julia with him acting as unfeeling, to his victim and her family, and cowardly as ever. Poor and tragic Julia gets the last word in as we hear her from beyond the grave telling us that her killer John Dubroski at least got life where she got death.

Average "love affair gone wrong" story

[AlabamaWorley1971 · 6/10 · 22 June 2001]

Saw this on the Lifetime channel, the Women's Network. In this Women's Network film, a cute naïve girl (Brittany Murphy) gets pregnant by a married cop, raises the baby as a single mother while working in a convenience store, and gets shot in the head. Standard courtroom fare follows. The only standout performances are Frederic Forrest and Rutanya Alda as Brittany's parents.

Great True Story For TV

[jkess123 · 24 January 2014]

Joe Penny and Brittany Murphy are main characters in this true story. When a teenage girl develops feelings for an older man she doesn't realize what's in store for her and her family. Joe Penny portrays the police officer who doesn't care for the fact that Julia stands up for herself although he originally tells her so when they first meet. True stories like this are brought to life with Joe Penny in the main role and are worth the time to watch. You can feel & see the anger plus the frustration in Joe's character as the movie progresses. The families struggles with and question what has happened. A twist at the end lets you know that the trust is always the best. Great cast and excellent acting by Joe Penny.

Dial J for Jeopardy

[matthewhenryjohnson · 2/10 · 6 October 2005]

If you wind up watching this film you're watching the *wrong* film in more than one sense. You want the other 'Double Jeopardy'. Or at the very least another 'Double Jeopardy'. That's the problem with titling a film after a specific legal clause. And the reason why calling a work 'Murder' is to be avoided.

Shortly, 'Double Jeopardy' is the story of making out in a police car, a paternity suit, an inexplicable killing, and a unanimous guilty verdict. I was awaiting the unfathomable twist just as it failed to happen. This oddly straightforward piece of work does appear to have overlooked some essentials of the genre; intrigue, psychology, doubt etc. It is rather like playing Cluedo with one character, one room and the candlestick holder. On your own.

That said Brittany Murphy looked lovely and Italian and I must confess I watched it through to end. Though I fear this says more about me than the film. The most frustrating thing is that it's not really concerned with Double Jeopardy at all. However the lack of respect shown for court proceedings and criminal procedure was delightful.

Perfectly Awful!

[beegeebright · 1/10 · 6 November 2005]

I don't know what the other comments are talking about. I've seen lots of true crime movies, dramatic, suspenseful, and enthralling. This was none of the above. I kept waiting for something even halfway believable to happen. She sues him for child support and continues seeing him! Oh, come on. No twists, no turns, nothing dramatic. Why did I waste my time and can I keep anyone, anyone else from watching this movie. Yes, the acting isn't bad, although Teri Garr is wasted, but they might as well be acting in a paper bag, they can't fight their way out of this insipid, even if true, plot and the total lack of anything to keep your interest up, except the faint hope that there will be some of element of surprise sometime but alas, there never is.

Need a Box of Tissues!!

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 22 November 2004]

Enjoyed this Lifetime TV film which was very down to earth and rather sad but true to life. Joe Penny,(John Dubroski),"The Prophets Game",'99, is a policeman and manages to get involved with a very young gal who gets PG. The young gal is Brittany Murphy,(Julia Marie Neuland),"Little Black Book",'04, who is madly in love with Joe and does everything in her power to capture his heart so he will leave his wife and family. Teri Garr,( Cindy Dubroski),"The Sky Is Falling",2000, is Joe Penny's wife who will let nothing interfere with her marriage and manages to overlook many things in her marriage to Joe. All the actors do a fantastic job of acting and Brittany Murphy will definitely make you go for the Tissue Box. The ending of the film has many twists and turns and you will have to view it to find out if Justice Prevails!!!

I was there when this really happened (and now it looks like he's innocent after all)

[Greenie-9 · 1/10 · 23 September 2005]

I remember the real life events of this vividly since it was one of my best friends and the drummer in our band who was portrayed in this movie as the stepson. A lot of it was over-dramatized, but that's what Hollywood does. As well, it was told only from the viewpoint of the victim. So much more was left out. I saw it when it first aired, but I couldn't watch it again since it brings back such bad memories, plus it's so biased. I know Lifetime airs it often so I just keep switching channels. It's just too strange to watch a movie that is based on the real-life tragedy of people I know very well, especially when some of the facts and scenes are altered. The actors were far from nailing the personalities of these people, but again, that's Hollywood.

UPDATE - 2007 - So, the "expert" who testified that the bullets matched his gun commits suicide a few months ago after he is confronted about his misinformation on the stand. BUSTED! He as no expert at all and made up everything. The case has now been reopened and it seems the bullets DO NOT match his gun. Hence more will be introduced to prove innocence of the "lead character" of this "wanna-be based in real life" movie. I hope when he is set free the producers come back to Baltimore and do a sequel to show just how wrong the first movie really was and show that he is innocent after all. They can show how he was set up by another cop who was also sleeping with her (the movie didn't show how she liked to hop in the sack with other cops, too). This movie should be burned in a bonfire with all the other biased trash out there.

Excellent movie!

[NancyDrewTooo · 10/10 · 9 August 2004]

I've seen this movie more than once. Outstanding job casting for this movie. Joe Penny looks hot in a uniform. Brittany Murphy is very believable as a naive "cop groupie" type. I've seen many of these types of relationships (in real life) between cops and young girls they meet while on duty. This movie was such an accurate portrayal of how easily this situation begins and how tragically it can end.

I noticed it was based on a true story. If anyone knows of the book version, please e-mail me, I'd be interested in reading it! I'd love to see this movie come out on DVD! I wonder if the real "John Dubroski" is still in contact with his family from prison. Anyway, bravo to Lifetime for airing this film every now and then. It brought back many memories. P.S. Brittany Murphy is a beautiful girl either way, but I think she looks much better with black hair!

Channel Surfing Gold.

[limesoda · 3 December 2000]

I was flicking channels a few nights ago and came across this movie I stayed watching because I am a big fan of Terri Garr (and I thought that this was the theatrical film "Double Jeapordy"), But this film holds well on it's own. Everyone in the cast is superb and this film should have more people writing about it.

A great movie filled with suspense and thrills.

[Magicpearl1974 · 10/10 · 17 September 2004]

This movie is based on the true life story of a young waitress and her affair with a untrustworthy police officer. Joe Penny and Britany Murphy are a must see there is no way I believe any body else could do the portrayal of these two unfortunate people justice. The story line is great and the acting convincing. This is a great movie to add to your Penny and Murphy collection Superb and enjoyable sit their with a cup of hot chocolates and a box of assorted delights I recommend cadburys.

Amanda

PS I fall in love with Joe every time I see him,excellent.

Brittany Murphy was outstanding!

[CCCWeb · 10/10 · 21 May 2006]

This movie was very well told through the character of the victim. An outstanding performance from Brittany Murphy as Julia. After her demise starts the courtroom drama. Where the cop tries to blame it all on his step-son. The courtroom drama is very interesting with plenty of surprises. Terri Garr goes her usual high quality performance as the betrayed wife, Cindy Dubroski, who sticks with her husband. A very strong performance from a very young Marc Donato as Aaron Dubroski, the son of John Dubroski (Joe Penny). Joe Penny is very good as John Dubroski the cop who has the affair with Julia and kills her. The outcome was not surprising, but the attempts of the defendant's family to help free him are very interesting.

Wonderful Movie!

[gbby21 · 4 February 2004]

I caught this movie while I was channel surfing one afternoon when it seemed like nothing good was on TV, and while I don't like watching Lifetime Movies all that well, I took a chance on the movie. To my surprise I loved it. Not only was this movie tragic,it was also based on a true story,which is what attracted me to the movie even more.

really enjoyed it... oh, Brittany...

[JamieWJackson · 8/10 · 16 July 2014]

I've had a mad crush on Brittany Murphy since I first saw her, in "Drive". I don't think I've ever seen so mesmerizing a combination of crazy, sexy, cute, innocent, impish, and vaguely dangerous. Me = smitten. She does it again here, with a tragic twist. It's hard to watch her now, and especially so in this one where her character dies young, knowing that she really did die young. RIP, you beautiful nut. <:'-( Gone oh, so much too soon.

FTR, I agree with the others who prefer her hair dark. It suited her so well. She somehow plays a perfect brunette blonde, if that makes any sense.

But anyway... this movie is very immersive, I think mostly due to the strong characters and the intensity of the developing situation. There's something about tragedy that is hard to look away from, and Brittany's charmingly dangerous innocence made her perfect for this role, as it drew the two together and also led to her poor decision-making, which put her at risk from her psycho lover. Just like Dubroski, we (or at least I) can't look away from her, even though there are red flags flying around this possible romance between them.

Some have complained of slow pacing, but I didn't notice that.

The review from the friend of the drummer son-in-law is interesting. Is the real-life Dubroski truly innocent? If so, I agree that a follow-up would make a good film, depicting "the rest of the story" or whatever. Still, this movie tells a story which, regardless of whether it's entirely true to the real-life events upon which it's based, does resonate.

The rest of the cast were also very good. Terri Garr in particular was a great choice for Mrs. Dubroski.

cool movie

[justagirl1 · 8/10 · 21 May 2006]

while not the best movie in the world, it is way better than a lot of the made for TV movies that are around. i was surfing through the TV channels because there was nothing to watch and this movie was on court TV, so i decided to give it a try. i was pleasantly surprised at the acting. i thought it was great when compared to other made for TV movies and in fact i didn't even know it was a TV movie until the end credits started rolling. this movie surpassed my expectations and is probably one of the better made for TV movies i have seen. the casting for this movie was great and each of the actors fit their roles nicely. if it should come up, i strongly recommend watching this movie, it's a lot better than the movies on movie channels.

This is the best movie!

[kelkel75 · 8 October 2001]

This is the best movie on lifetime I've seen so far, and I watch all of them. Great story line and great acting. I wonder if anyone knows if this movie was at all based on a true story or a fiction novel. If so, I would really like to read it. If anyone could tell me, PLEASE e-mail me! That song "it must be angels playing with my heart" is awesome.. Thanks, Kellie

The BEST!!

[giavana · 10/10 · 16 March 2001]

I would have to truthfully say that this is the best movie ever made. It is a very touching story that will for sure make you cry! I will highly suggest that if you have not seen this movie, PLEASE watch it. You will not be sorry that you did! A for sure A+++

Very Good Movie

[denny-06901 · 8/10 · 10 November 2018]

It took me a long time to find this movie and the title to it I just hope that lifetime would bring it back on Lifetime movies again, I know I can watch it online but I would like to see it on the Lifetime Channel Movies list, their old movies, that was a very good movie with Brittany Murphy and Joe penny I would also like to see it on DVD and be able to purchase it. Thank you,

great made for TV movie

[catwoman10301963 · 22 October 2006]

Most made for TV movies are quite boring but this one is different. It had my full attention throughout the whole movie. I cried at the end. Joe Penny was excellent and so was Brittney Murphy. It was very touching when she was talking to her son while she was in heaven looking down at him. The movie was well written and could easy pass for a true story. I also like Terri Garr's performance also. This story line is so real. I can easily see young girls falling in love with an older man, especially the allure of being with a police officer. I would watch this movie again and still be captivated. Pleae watch this movie if you see it on TV!

great movie,definitely a tearjerker but a happy ending in the name of "justice"....

[haileyjade89 · 10/10 · 19 March 2007]

i have it on right now on lifetime,Brittany Murphy look much cuter better i agree when her hair in the 90's was dark brown to black, not blonde.love this true story, just seen it again on the LMN not regular lifetime channel,just so amazing how this bum of a officer husband is attempting to set up his own step son who he claim to have raised since two,and love ya know. but GREAT ACTING by all involved ESPECIALLY THE PARENTS,When hearing their little girl was dead, actually he met her at 16 yes,but did not sleep with her until three years later, he waited until she was grown as depicted in the movie, i love this movie..great acting all around especially when they showed she was on NEW YEARS trying to MOVE ON wit her son and her life and her good family.just so sad how she fell victim to him by "NOT BEING STRONG"ENOUGH TO STAY AWAY PERMANENTLY WITH HIM,LETTING THE COURTS DEAL WITH HIS SUPPORT FOR THE KID,SHE WANTED THE FATHER IN HER LIFE SO BAD IN ALL REALITY That she ended up dead. AND HIS STUPID WEAK DESPERATE WIFE PLAYED WELL BY "TERRY GARR"Stays with the murdering cheat... but that is "weak women for u"i can never be so weak....

I was so happy when they did find him GUILTY AFTER HE WAS Trying TO INSINUATE THAT HIS OWN SON DID IT. what a loser. Joe penny is a handsome man,VERY GOOD ACTOR, who so happens to play sleazy parts but this is one of the most horrible parts he ever portrayed but i am so happy that the REAL JOHN DUBROWSKI Is still inside state prison.good for him, and Julia is at peace and her son is now a teen being raised by her father and mother and 2 aunts. great movie, LOVE LIFETIME WHO ALWAYS MOSTLY SHOWS GOOD TRUE STORIES, AS I ALWAYS SAY THAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MOVIES,BASED ON REALITY WHETHER HAPPY OR SAD..

ADIOS!

Murphy is worth watching

[caspian1978 · 4 July 2004]

This is your typical Lifetime movie for women who can't get a date on a friday night. The story is as lame as most of the movies how Men are pigs and all women are innocent even after they are sentenced and found guilty. Much of the acting is lame and unwatchable. Still, Brit Murphy holds the audiences attention even when she's not talking. Hard to believe this was made eight years ago, Murphy has changed a lot in her acting style and appearance. Murphy is an example that actors need to have a presence that holds the audiences attention. You could be a great actor of the stage and have no problem saying lines and performing in front of thousands of people. But without having a presence in your speech and body language, you fail to be an amazing actor. Although Victim of the Night (Double Jeopardy) is one of Murphy's not so great films, she is terrific in it and is one of the very few reasons to watch.