Based on a story by co-scripter Nick Villiers and director Bob Rafelson, "Blood & Wine" weaves together temptation, a stressed marriage, paranoia and murder; at its core is a failing wine merchant (Jack Nicholson) looking to make a big score. To make his dream a reality, he enlists the help of his sexy Latin mistress ("Selena's" Jennifer Lopez) and his safe-cracking partner-in-crime, Victor (Michael Caine). The bounty's worth: $1 million. Meanwhile, Alex tries to deal with his hanging-by-a-thread relationship with his stepson ("Reckless'" Stephen Dorff) and must get his wife (Judy Davis) to accept that their marriage has lost its spark.
In this fifth collaboration between Rafelson and Le Jack, the director benefits from a powerhouse duo in Nicholson and Caine. It's like watching two cats fight for the same mouse, because both characters are corrupted to the bone. In a few spots, the plot lags, leaving the caliber of onscreen talent to plug the dike; also helping keep audience interest is that the characters' lives undergo drastic changes after the story's setpiece, a jewelry heist. The screenplay by Villiers and Alison Cross ignore the norm in favor of a product that will surprise, shock and please. "Blood & Wine" is a thriller with a satisfactory amount of action that culminates with a violent reconciliation. Starring Jack Nicholson, Stephen Dorff, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Caine and Judy Davis. Directed by Bob Rafelson. Written by Nick Villiers and Alison Cross. Produced by Jeremy Thomas. A Fox Searchlight release. Thriller. Rated R for violence and language. Running time: 100 min.