Jekyll and Hyde

Steve Lawson delivers once more an intelligent, dialogue-heavy, atmospheric period piece - this time with a twist on 'The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde' novella.

Michael McKell is very good as the titular character (and sings the excellent closing theme too - a very talented individual). My only gripe is probably a very personal one; during moments of humour - and there is a handful amidst this grim tale - we are treated to strains of 'comedy music'. Plink plonks accompany each sideward glance and awkward smile. It's unnecessary - don't do it (this is general advice, not exclusive to this production)!

The fairly sizable tweaks that have been made to the classic original story seem mainly to allow the low budget to adequately convey events (shades of early Hammer classic adaptions). Therefore, there are many scenes, especially near the end, where characters spend a great deal of time explaining the plot and gloating over their cleverness. An interesting spin - not perfect of course, but a production given the care and attention that's become associated with Steve Lawson's projects. My score is 7 out of 10.

A rather refreshing retelling of the classic tale. Being somehow innocent of the modern Hollywood same same makes it easy watching & hopeful, Enjoyed it late at night with a glass of G&T.

Sure, I assume that the majority of horror fans are in greater or lesser extend familiar with the Jekyll and Hyde story. And as such, I opted to sit down and watch this 2021 take on the story, from director Steve Lawson. Needless to say that I had never actually heard about this particular movie prior to watching it.

And talk about a botched attempt of constructing an entertaining thriller mystery. Writers Steve Lawson and Robert Louis Stevenson managed to concoct a very stale and slow paced narrative, that leaves the viewers desperately wishing for something interesting or even just remotely thrilling to happen. It never did, and thus 85 minutes is a rather waste of effort, should you opt to sit down and watch "Jekyll and Hyde".

I was not entertained by this movie, and I found the characters about as interesting as tooth decay. So, not at all. A testament to the writing level of Steve Lawson and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The acting performances in the movie were forgettable. I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble, but after having suffered through "Jekyll and Hyde", I can't claim that I am in any particular rush to track down movies from the cast ensemble here.

Visually then "Jekyll and Hyde" was bland. So very, very bland. Yeah, you don't even have interesting special effects to look forward to, should you opt to waste 85 minutes on watching this 2021 movie from director Steve Lawson.

"Jekyll and Hyde" came and went without any kind of impact or lasting impression. And just as quietly as the movie snuck in under the radar, just as quietly will the mists of oblivion gobble up the movie and safely nestle it away from further delvings.

My rating of "Jekyll and Hyde" lands on a very generous two out of ten stars.

This classic tale never makes a good movie, which is unfortunate. The twist offered the director/writers an opportunity to really push the storyline and explore new themes.

But that didn't happen.

I actually spent most of the movie texting a friend how much fun this movie could be as a MST3K film, only because it would be tolerable to watch with the witty banter.

Not the most exciting thing to watch but still somewhat enjoyable.

Grab yourself a bucket of popcorn and settle in on a rainy afternoon. Watch out for the right hook!