The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

We should always beware when Hollywood attempts to "update" the classics, and we are usually disappointed when they do. The new film "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the exception to the rule. Though the original novella was considered groundbreaking and shocking for it's time, by today's standards it is tame and not as earth shattering as it once was. Perhaps this is because of the many stage, and film adaptations based on the original work. Most are dull and boring. To be sure, there are some classic movies and television plays, including the great, silent John Barrymore version, the wonderful Frederick March film, and the Dan Curtis produced TV version starring Jack Palance. We may now add a new winning adaptation to the lexicon of Jekyll and Hyde. This is a contemporary retelling of the story and this adaptation takes some liberties in translating it to the screen. --But then again, what screen adaptations don't take liberties? This is a fun, fast paced, horror film that delivers the goods! Writer/director John Carl Buechler is no stranger to horror icons. He directed Friday the 13th part 7, and created the stunning visual and make-up effects for numerous horror classics in the 1980's, including; Nightmare on Elm Street, and the Halloween movie franchises. In many ways he has structured is vision of the literary classic as a sort of retro nod to those vintage eighties horror pix. It is fast, furious, often funny, and absolutely terrifying at times. In the first few minutes of the movie, the screen explodes with action, mystery and gore. I don't want to reveal the excellent new slant this picture brings to light, but suffice to say the picture is both inventive and spine tingling. Perhaps the reason that this picture works so well is that as an independent film, it was made on a modest budget, with no studio interference. Either way, Tony Todd is great in the dual roles of Jekyll and Hyde, his ability to combine humor and pathos is nothing less than genius. Se it on the big screen with a full house if you can.

John Carl Buechler and his MMI company did most of the effects in all the old Empire pictures for Charles Band, and this is a very direct throwback to that style of schlock. Badly directed, paced and written, with guest star actors that look lost, it never the less manages to be kind of fun in it's earnestness. And Tony Todd does seem to enjoy playing Mr.Hyde. It's actually one of the better Hydes. other than the overdone makeup and general nod and wink attitude. Slap a 1986 date on it rather than 2006 and it would be in good company.

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The (2006)

** (out of 4)

John Carl Buechler (Friday the 13th 7) wrote and directed this updated version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel. In the film, Dr. Jekyll (Tony Todd) is experimenting with chimps when he decides to take the drug himself, which of course turns him into the murderous Mr. Hyde. If it weren't for the excellent performance from Todd, who most people will remember from Candyman, this movie would have been a lot worse. These types of horror movies are made each and every week but not all of them feature some a great performance so it's rather sad to see Todd wasted in a pretty weak film with an even weaker screenplay. There are a few switches from the original novel but for the most part this film is pretty faithful and since we've seen this story countless times the original aspects here aren't good enough to keep the film moving. The supporting cast are all pretty bland to bad and this really sticks out when you see them acting with Todd. Buechler's direction is a tad bit all over the place as well. It's never quite clear what he's trying to do with the material even though he wrote it. At some points it seems like he's wanting to make a suspenseful story but then at other times it appears he wants to throw tons of gore at us. Another problem with the film is the use of some bad, fast editing and poor CGI effects. Back to Todd, he alone makes it worth watching the film as he pulls off both roles very well. Like Christopher Lee, I think Todd could branch out into more serious roles but most of the time he's wasted in films like this.

You get the feeling this movie is going to be a forgettable experience after the first few minutes of viewing, production qualities are terrible from the outset and you will see better acting on a Demtel Infomercial. From a B grade movie perspective it's not even funny.

Don't even watch this out of curiosity, it's a waste of 90 minutes of your life. If ever you had put off going to that slide night at a friend's place then just substitute the 90 minutes you would watch this movie and sit through it with the comforting thought that sitting through those 641 holiday snaps is a much more rewarding experience than watching this movie.

You really wonder why movie studios release these types of movies but by packaging it in a glossy title then you definitely get the feeling they're just out to make a quick buck. I will however remember "Vendetta Films" and "RedAnt" who released it and approach any movies made or promoted by them very suspiciously in future.

Unlikely the best version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde you would expect to view. Plus the transformation of Hyde into a Hyde/Ape hybrid.