Michael_Elliott Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (2008) * 1/2 (out of 4) Modern updating of the Robert Louis Stevenson's novel has a serial killer stalking the people of Boston. It turns out to be the respected Dr. Jekyll (Dougray Scott) who while on a trip overseas came up with a potion and when used on himself it turned him into the murderous Mr. Hyde. With the help of a friend (Tom Skerritt) Jekyll is able to get a lawyer (Krista Bridges) who tries to understand him. I've seen well over a dozen versions of this classic novel and I must say this is the first one where Hyde kisses Jekyll on the mouth. I'm not one who is against familiar things being changed around as the London setting has been moved to Boston and it takes place during modern times. I think this could have been used to the film's benefit but instead it just bogs down the story even more as we get silly special effects of Jekyll looking at his monitors before turning into Hyde. This movie offers up a few interesting ideas about the good/evil side of the character but it's all pretty much wasted. I really didn't care for the direction because it seems like Barzman was trying too hard to be stylish and this is clearly a case where less would have been a lot more. Just take a look at many of the transformation scenes and you'll see that the camera is constantly twirling and spinning around and it really does look as if the scenes were being filmed during an earthquake. I'm guessing this was done to try and build up some tension but it never works. We also get other scenes where the camera quickly zooms in and then we're treated to some fast-cut editing, which just makes the entire film look even cheaper than it is. The screenplay doesn't do enough with the current settings and just wait to you see what happens once Jekyll is captured and put on trial. Scott isn't bad but he's not good either. He certainly gives a decent performance and especially when you consider what type of film this is but I had a real problem with both the Hyde and Jekyll characters as he really didn't bring much out of either. Skerritt doesn't get to do too much but it's always nice seeing him. I did enjoy Bridges performance but one only wishes it had been in a better movie. There are so many versions of this story out there that if you're new to them then it's a no-brainer that you should skip this one. If you're like me and enjoy tracking down as many versions as you can then you might want to give this a rental but don't have your expectations too high.

jadflack A serial killer stalks the city of Boston and a DR Jeckyll goes to a lawyer claiming to be the serial killer and that he can turn into another person. You have to give this Canadian t.v movie updating of the oft told classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale credit for giving it a fresh approach.This is pleasingly sombre and manages for the most part to be genuinely unsettling straight from the films beginning until it runs out of steam in a courtroom finale.It does offer a different but unsatisfying twist at the end.Dougray Scott in the lead role(s)and in very little makeup to distinquish the two characters is very, very good.A good effort overall.

kryziss Although I obviously know the concept of Jekyll and Hyde, this is the first full film I ever saw on the subject. The movie was decent to watch, but I have the feeling it's a bit superficial. Never was I actually scared, shocked or thrilled. It was all too normal for my taste.Another negative side to the film is its ending. I guess a minimum of 90% of the viewers will be able to guess the ending after seeing the prison interview where the lawyer gives Jekyll the syringe.Despite this negative critique, the movie also has its up side. The film's mildly entertaining.All in all decent cinematography, quite superficial narrative, reasonable acting. It's 'watcheable' just don't expect too much of it.

StrongRex Since I'm always fascinated with anything Jekyll & Hyde, I never pass up an opportunity to see a movie version when it's on. And I must say that I didn't find this version disappointing at all. In fact, I found it quite interesting and intriguing.This is a modern approach on the struggle between good and evil, and in this movie the struggle didn't turn out to be as much of a failure as in most versions. In this story, Dr. Henry Jekyll (played by Dougray Scott) turns himself in to an attorney named Claire Wheaton (Krista Bridges). Even though she is willing to help him, when he tells her his condition, she doesn't quite understand or believe him until she sees it for herself. One thing leads to another and many twists and turns follow.I found this version of Jekyll & Hyde to be a good one. It's a more original take for one, and it's really suspenseful. I won't give away the ending, but it's an ending you wouldn't normally expect. I look forward to seeing it again in the future. 10/10