Review of The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) by Kristi M — 31 Mar 2015

The concept is intriguing in a Jurassic Park sort of way where "playing God" turns out to be a disaster for the delusional mad scientist who believes that he's serving a higher purpose for the greater good of society.

The main problem I had is that it doesn't flow in an organic sort of way and even though Val Kilmer did well enough pulling off a really bizarre impersonation of the "father" his descent into madness is like whiplash.

One moment he's a law enforcement officer of sorts and the next he's all crazy pants with no real explanation. I also don't understand the "old and wise" goat man character. I'm assuming he must be a parody of preachers testifying about the Lord and the "father" is his God but he's just too out of place among the other characters and is overly contrived to get a point across when he's not necessary in the story at all.

The other characters get the point across just fine without him. Despite all of that and more I didn't mention this movie is still somehow fascinating and has a haunting quality to it that gets under the skin.

I think part of it comes from the concept of the "perfect creature" being a cat woman. She is indirectly portrayed as a black cat woman (no explanation of that needed) mixed with the Stones "Under my Thumb".

I can't be the first person to point that out.