Review of Hannibal (2001) by Russell G — 27 Apr 2013

This is several steps down from the previous installment, Silence of the Lambs. Even though it is written as series this part of the story lacks so much of what makes Silence of the Lambs so good. There just is not that sense of fear that the previous movie had.

A large part of it is because Hannibal is much scarier as a specimen behind glass than as an elusive killer on the run. Julianne Moore replaces Jodie Foster, she is a decent actress and it is not her fault but her character is less compelling now that she has become more callous and hardened after 10 years in the FBI.

There are some issues with things that come off as corny. The mutant pigs, eating of exposed brains, and the make up for Gary Oldman's character all look pretty bad and distract more than they help.

These things are hard to convert to a movie but in even 2001 you could do a better job. On its own it is mildly exciting and decent but it is an overall disappointment because it is connected with the 1991 classic.