ANOTHER TAKE ON JACK THE RIPPER AND DEPP WAS GREAT PER USUAL
D. Blankenship | The Ozarks | 09/30/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I probably should do the research, but quite likely won't, but I wonder just how many movies have been made of the infamous Jack The Ripper Case over the years; never mind what are probably hundreds of books.
Well, this is yet another take of the old Ripper tale. And this version had a few things going for it. First, it starred Johnny Depp whose acting ability never ceases to amaze me. I have thoroughly enjoyed him in every part I have seen him in and this movie was not exception. The movie also featured Ian Holm, no mean actor himself. The supporting cast was pretty decent and played their parts well. Secondly, Victorian London was portrayed pretty well, although from all accounts I have read, it was much dirtier than that which was shown in this film. Third, it did have a few new twists which separated it from others. They threw the Masonic order in and did a pretty good job of portraying the anti-Semitism which always hung over most European cities at that time. The story line was plausible if you stretch your imagination a bit.
The movie had a few things going against it, as far as I was concerned. First, it was quite long and drawn out. This was okay as I watched it at home and was able to take a few breaks. I would have hated to have sat though this one in a theater. Secondly, they had some of the most God awful background music I have ever heard. It almost drove me crazy. Third, it probably went over the top just a bit with the gratuitous violence. Now I realize that due to the subject matter; hey, we are talking Jack the Ripper here, that violence was to be expected and was certainly a central theme in this story. There were just a few too many body parts being shuffled here and there to make it realistic.
Was I entertained? Yes I was. It just boiled down to the fact that I have been more entertained by other movies in this particular genre, or dealing with this time period. Give me "Room with a View," or one of the recent renditions of "Emma" any old day.
Would I watch this movie again? No, once was quite enough...thank you very much.
Would I recommend this one to others? Yes, especially for fans of Johnny Depp or Jack the Ripper enthusiasts.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
"