To Hell With This Film.

Rating: 2/10 (16 September 2015)

From Hell (2001): Dir: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes / Cast: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Richardson: Based upon the legend of Jack the Ripper and couldn't be any more dull than if it was read in history class. And what the title means is a mystery since the villain is human. It opens in the late 1800's London where prostitutes are murdered with slashed throats and grape stems in their hands. Perhaps if Mr. Ripper was more flamboyant he could have left an entire fruit salad and a glass of wine with lemon wedged on the edge. Johnny Depp is brought in as an inspector and the rest is a bloody mess right up to its stupid climax. Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes with repetitious storytelling. They previous made Menace to Society. Here they present a complete menace to one's intelligence. Depp is reciting Sleepy Hallow and despite that film's appeal, his role lacks ambition here. Heather Graham plays one of the brainless prostitutes. These hookers are warned not to venture out after dark but that doesn't seem to sink in. Also with Ian Holm, Ian Richardson and Robbie Coltrane who have both done far better films than this. For a scarier film starring Depp, I recommend Tim Burton's ravishing version of Sleepy Hollow. As for this film, it has superb art direction but blood and guts are strewn with the sound of swishing blades. Score: 2 / 10