Rating: 
Summary: Malkovich, why?
Review: The film had the POTENTIAL to be another Dangerous Liasons; but the onscreen chemistry between Malkovich and Julia Roberts failed. Perhaps, Malkovich heart was not in it; which completely showed throughout the film. Indeed, it was double role that he offered onscreen; displaying a lack of creativity; and hopelessness. Perhaps, it was the added pressure of re-creating a masterpiece; regardless, the film made no great leaps and jumps; instead it was stagnant with no beauty.
Rating: 
Summary: Exhibit A of Why Critics Shouldn't Decide What People Watch.
Review: This film was apparently in theaters for so short a time, I'd never heard of it until I saw it on video. Too bad. Then, when I read reviews of it, Julia Roberts seemed to get universally blasted for her portrayal of the title character. After watching it, I can't imagine why, except that they believe her fans only want to see her in a romantic comedy - this film was apparently promoted as a Roberts vehicle, which it isn't. It is, however, a perfect example of a Malkovich vehicle. He is perfectly cast as the good/evil Jekyll/Hyde in this rendition of the story with its inherently sexual overtones. No matter what you read elsewhere by professional critics, both performances were excellent, and Malkovich and Roberts were wonderful together. In fact, the sexual intensity is so hot, in spite of (or maybe because of) the film's slow pace, I nearly needed a cold shower by the end. As for the complaints about Roberts' accent, I found it amusing that she should be blamed for attempting one, while Malkovich seems to always be criticized for never doing so.The film as a whole was less than perfect (hence only four stars), but this does not distract from the experience. Specific problems are addressed in a review below this one, however, what I believe caused so much negative publicity was the film's being mercilessly compared to Dangerous Liaisons (same writer, director, also Malkovich and Close). In my opinion, that is like comparing your second, but above average child unfavorably to his genius older sibling - It doesn't imply that Mary Reilly is not worth watching. See it - don't let critics make your decisions for you.
Rating: 
Summary: A great film that could have benefitted from less editing
Review: I didn't rush to see this film because it got a fairly luke-warm reception from critics. Among other things, they complained that there was little chemistry between the two leads. Clearly, I do not understand critics' perception of chemistry, because if there had been any more heat between Malkovich and Roberts, my VCR would have melted. Their ability to communicate feelings nonverbally combined with a slow and steady increase in sexual tension created one of the best film experiences I have had in recent years. Others complained about Roberts' accent. This did not bother me. An argument could be made that her irregular Irish accent was the result of living in aristocratic British households for 10 years. She would have started to lose her accent by that point. Was it that calculated by Roberts? Probably not--but it still flies. My only criticism of this otherwise remarkable film, is what I suspect was an over-zealous use of editing scissors. We are spared being drawn a picture of the implied incestuous relationship between Mary and her father. Fine, we more than got the message and I for one, was happy to not have to witness such a horror. But when Mary enters the brothel and finds carnage, including blood on the ceiling and a disemboweled rat, Glenn Close's Mrs. Farraday says, "Don't even ask." But we have to ask. There isn't enough information to go on. What triggered Hyde's rage? What association, if any, did he make between the prostitute, Mary and her story about rats? Later, we're left to wonder what triggered Hyde's murderous rage regarding Sir Danvers Carew. Then, in the scene in which Hyde and Mary look about to consumate their relationship, we don't know if that happens. Seeing this would not have been gratuitous. It would have furthered our understanding of Mary's dark-side and of Hyde's struggle with his love for her. In fact, we haven't got a clue what happened. In perhaps the most blatant example, we (or at least I ) cannot begin to imagine under what circumstances Hyde would have sent her for the antecdote or why he was in such a state when she slid it into the room. This isn't asking the audience to draw conclusions, it's asking us to write scenes. The director and/or writer should have filled in those blanks. It would have more than held our interest. In the end, however, Mary Reilly is the kind of film that allows us to live vicariously through the characters. We care about what happens to them, and when we leave, it makes us think about the Jekyl and Hyde in all of us. That's what great film-making is all about.
Rating:
Summary: A sexy thriller!!
Review: I saw this movie two days ago and I can't stop thinking about it! I have seen John Malkovich in several other movies, but after watching this one I had to learn more about him. Both of the personalities he played were very sexy. The only downfall of the movie was Julia Roberts fake Irish accent. Sometimes it would be too strong, and other times it was practically non-existent. Either way, it was a great movie!! The effects at the end were pretty cool too.
Rating:
Summary: a fasninating film!
Review: I really enjoyed watching Mary Reilly regardless of the poor reaction it received. Once again Close and Malkovich are successful in performing their complex roles. The setting perfectly depicts the ambiance of England in the late 19th century. The film combines subtle romance, violence, and the struggle between the fear to live life and the passion to rebel. The film demands the viewer to examine whether or not he or she is struggling with a Mr. Hyde or Dr. Jekyll in his/her own mind...
Rating:
Summary: confusing body and evil eyes
Review: I really love this movie. It's hard to take my eyes away from John Malkovich's eyes...they are so attractive and evil that you just can not leave them. The first time I saw this movie was at 3 o'clock at night. It made me awake and my heart bit so fast. John Malkovich is a excellent actor. Two different personalities in one man....it's so hard to show our but he did it!
Rating:
Summary: Forget Critics. MARY REILLY Impresses. Roberts Shines.
Review: This is a good example as to why seeing a movie yourself is better than looking to critics to decide your opinions. Despite the spanking this movie received, MARY REILLY is a surprising psychological thriller with a number of tasty elements to it. Malkovich's Jekyl/Hyde is a schizophrenic man and not a monster. You cannot take your eyes off the screen when Robert's mousy, tormented maid is shown. Please take a look at this movie. It may entertain you a lot.
Rating:
Summary: A Thriller that Grabs both Mind and Heart
Review: I thought the movie, "Mary Reilly" was excellent. (I choose not to listen to critics.) I loved the musical, "Jekyll and Hyde" and was interested in seeing if "Mary Reilly" might have influenced the musical. I can actually hear some of the music being played as I watch the story unfold. I also can feel the passion building between Mary and Jekyll. I guess the only thing I can find wrong with this is that Glenn Close's role should have been larger. She is a talented actress and portrayed Mrs. Ferriday (a whorehouse owner) beautifully.
Rating:
Summary: There's something to be said for understatement
Review: I love John Malkovich, although it seems no matter what role he plays, his voice remains the same. Julia Roberts is beautiful, and she did render the deference of a Victorian servant; however, I wish more had been done about her dream where Edward Hyde ends up in her bed and says, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you invited me", and Mary replies " I did." Then it's on to other things, when it seems to me that that was the most important (and telling) scene. Not nearly as bad as I had feared from some things I've heard, but it could have been much better.
Rating:
Summary: This is a movie to keep you awake at night
Review: I loved this movie. I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. John Malkovich gives a fantastic and compelling performance as both Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He is so sinister (in a sexy way) yet so endearing that I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. I was also very impressed by Julia Roberts. She convincingly played the part of Mary Reilly, Dr. Jekyll's maid. There is rather a bit of gore, so if you are really squeamish, maybe this isn't the movie for you. I definitely and truly recommend this movie.
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