The Popkorn Junkie

Unfortunately, despite the cast and the hype the film falls flat. The plot is contrived and predictable just like all other slasher movies....I think it's a prerequisite. Some new and interesting characters are introduced but we only get a "taste" for who they are and their motivations. It seems like they were included only to help move the plot along....the means to an end. A very disgusting, Itchy-and-Scratchy-esq end that if I hadn't eaten dinner two hours beforehand would have definitely made me sick.

      The plot seemed blurry and unfocused, but maybe I just had a hard time paying attention. I often found myself becoming distracted by attempting to replace Julianne Moore with Jodie Foster. That's not a knock on Julianne Moore, it's just hard to replace the original actress....especially when the role won her the Academy Award. Despite the script, Anthony Hopkins had a "delicious" performance. Sorry, there were just so many food related (and totally lame) allusions in the film; it must have rubbed off on me.

      Hanns Zimmer ("Gladiator") wrote the score.....no complaints here. He did a good job. Ridley Scott was the director. Too bad, he was really on a role. Maybe I'm being too harsh, he didn't write the script after all.....he just directed it. He did, however, recycle a scene from his last blockbuster "Gladiator"....can you guess which part I'm referring to?

      Recommendation: The film lacks the intelligence and suspense that made "Silence of the Lambs" such a success. However, "Hannibal" does provide your daily recommended serving of gore and cheesy innuendos (in reference to eating). Don't expect much more from this movie than blood and the occasional cannibalistic cooking technique.

-- Patsy ( 2 1/2 out of 4 pops )

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Pappy ( 1 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Okie, dokie. Believe it or not, my wife dragged me to this movie. I guess in some ways it is a chick flick, though I’d have to go into a lot to explain that one, more than I can in a capsule review. I enjoyed "The Silence of the Lambs", but this squealing sequel fell flat as a soufflé for me. I was even disappointed with the much touted final horror scene as the special effects seemed almost comical. I have a feeling that I would have enjoyed the film much more if I read the book. But as it is I’d have to say that Jodie was smart by-passing this as the movie really bites.