Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: Underrated and Misunderstood
Review: I was gripped by the book when I first read it. Unfortunately, I missed the theatrical release of the movie, so I eagerly anticipated the DVD release to see Ridley Scott's realization of the novel. I was not disappointed, since the atmostphere, characterization, acting was first rate and followed closely the book. My only disappointment was that Scott changed the ending. The bottom line is.. if you don't like the book, you won't like the movie. If you love the book, I think you'll love the movie. The 2-disc DVD is outstanding. The special features, deleted scenes, and other features make this one of the best DVDs I have purchased to date. I would have loved to see an extended branching version of the movie with the deleted scenes inserted, but I guess you can't have it all. Who knows - they might do that for a future release of the movie. The audio (DTS 5.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1) is first rate, with a fully enveloping surround sound experience. The video quality is also first rate. Buy this DVD if you love the book.

Rating:
Summary: Ugh
Review: I thought "Silence of the Lambs" did just fine all on it's own. This movie was great as far as suspense (the characters trying to keep one step ahead of a madman that is one step ahead of them). The ending disturbed me. It got to a point that I couldn't watch, I was so grossed out. At any rate, Anthony Hopkins is spectacular (of course). I didn't think Julianne Moore was too bad. Ray Liotta played, very well, the guy you love to hate. In general it's not a bad movie, but I don't think a sequel is really a sequel if the same leading actors aren't used for the main characters, Jodie Foster reallly should have came back as Clarice.

Rating:
Summary: It's not "Silence", but it still works.
Review: I never expect a movie to live up to the novel that inspired it, so the fact that "Silence Of The Lambs" actually achieved this was remarkable. So it was inevitable that Hannibal would not live up to this standard, so instead I'll try to concentrate on Hannibal on its own terms. Hopkins is once again excellent as Hannibal, and Moore does a credible job in the unenviable task of filling Jodie Foster's shoes. She doesn't show the charm and vulnerability that Foster displayed in "Lambs", but she's playing a hardened FBI agent with 10 years of experience rather than a raw, young recruit. The other characters are one dimensional, but they were in the novel as well. I seem to be one of the few who actually found the ending of the novel satisfying. Hannibal is a horror story, and the ending of the novel is the most horrifying scenario imaginable. I understand why Hollywood rejected it, as it required far more character development of both Starling and Hannibal than a two hour movie could possibly provide. Even so, the movie ending would have benefited from some of the deleted scenes to make it more credible. But in its own way I thought the movie ending worked. I miss several of the characters from the novel (Mason's sister, Starling's roommate, her FBI mentor Jack Crawford) and the demotion of Barnie to a bit role, but understand the necessity of narrowing the focus. But the biggest problem with the movie is that it fails where the novel succeeds in making Mason the pure evil character and Hannibal the sympathetic (if still monsterous) character. The movie shows Mason motivated purely by revenge and only briefly touches on his child abuse. The movie follows the book's dialog where Mason says he has reformed and found religion, but does not then go on to show that even now he is far more cruel and brutal than Hannibal. Since I have read the novel I can't say how this movie works on its own terms. As a novelization of a book I really enjoyed, I give it three+ stars.

Rating:
Summary: Violent?Yes, What did you expect from a crazy serial killer?
Review: Since I am reviewer number 227, I guess that if you got here it is because you have strong feelings for or against this movie. I have to say that I enjoyed watching a superb actor like Anthony Hopkins replaying this role. Hannibal Lecter represents who we think about when we are thinking of a genious, derranged serial killer. Julianne Moore is a beautiful actress and I think she did a good job playing Clarice, yet we will always wonder, How much better could Jodie Foster have been?. I know that there is a lot of controversy about the kilings and the gore in this movie, but having read the book prior to seeing the movie; I expected nothing less. The part of this movie that I was dissapointed with was the end. In my opinion, the end in the book is a more fitting end. It would have brought a better closing to the relationship between Lecter and Starling, and in my view, an even scarier possibility... You don't know the end in the book?... READ IT!

Rating:
Summary: No Alternate Ending
Review: I was not crazy about this movie but I bought a copy of the DVD because of the alternate ending... I was fooled. Much of the hype and complaints I heard about Ridley Scott's version of Hannibal was that he changed the infamous ending that was in the novel. The DVD promises an "alternate ending" that I hoped was closer to the novel. In reality it is almost exactly the same as the one in the theatrical release with one change. If you are planning to buy this DVD because of the alternate ending... DON'T BOTHER!!! They are trying to capitalize on the fact that some people really want to see the ending as Thomas Harris wrote it. I was fooled by this.

Rating:
Summary: DID NOT SEE THIS YET!
Review: I did not see this yet. My suggestion is: GO WATCH THE MANHUNTER DVD!

Rating:
Summary: Ray Liotta should have had his head examined!
Review: Just rented this one today - just goes to show you can't improve on perfection. As usual, they should leave well enough alone, but of course Hollywood could never do that! I would have to agree with a number of other reviewers who mention "parody" in several scenes. The climactic "dinner" scene near the end was absolutely laughable! Good maybe for a rent, just don't buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Hannibal could have been Better
Review: First off Moore taking Fosters place was the biggest no no in cinema history.Yes she is a good actor she just doesnt fill Jody Fosters shoes.While watching the film i just didnt feel any chemistry between Moore and Hopkins.Unlike Silence of the Lambs where Jody Foster and Anthony Hopkins scenes were almost erotic.See it for Hannibal's humour nothing more than that.We will not see any Oscars for this film.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone's Favorite Cannibal Serves Up Dessert
Review: I read the book, then saw the film in the theatre and was vaguely aware of not having a real opinion. Did I like it? Yeah...no...yeah I THINK so. Hmmm, I am not usually so confused about cinema. Now, after viewing the DVD, I understand my problem. I was reluctant to allow "Hannibal" to be appreciated as a stand alone film and, in my opinion, that is how it must be considered. It sheds new light on this chapter (and the inner character) in the life of our favorite cannibal. Scott's film plays like the foreign film it should be, the screen is both dark and deeply shadowed as well as bleeding with vibrant color, locations spectacular. The photography truly wraps around the actors and brings them in to a secret little world that, while it did not allow me to forget Jodie Foster and her perverse would-be paramour, did allow me to accept the first film as "another time, another place." In the here and now with Lechter abroad and Starling's career on the skids after a disasterous FBI raid gone wrong, a fresh start emerges playing once again on Starling's lack of self esteem and the undeniable relationship between the two. To go further with the plot is a waste of your time, Gentle Reader, as so many have already gone before me. I will say the DVD is probably the best one on the market right now, packed full with extra scenes, alternative endings, and plenty of features which allow you to ruminate over the story without the screaming crowds. It personifies what DVD is actually for and why it's worth having. If you turned your nose up at "Hannibal" due to loyalty to the first film, may I suggest a taste test? This is very, very good.

Rating:
Summary: Good and Scary
Review: This was a good, movie when I saw the previews to this I wanted to see it. I now own the, DVD great featres Deleted Scences and the Alternate Ending was good. Some parts were sick, which I won't mention but I liked this if you haven't seen The Silence Of The Lambs I suggest you watch it first to understand the story. Goodie Goodie! Well overall I liked, it scary so buy or rent this.