Jack the Ripper Strikes Again!

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2002)

Albert and Allen Hughes have given us yet another retelling of the saga of Jack the Ripper. They have created a dark and dreary setting of the White Chapel district of 1888 London in which to tell their story.
When the murders begin, Detective Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp) is called in. He is an unusual sort who has "visions" while under the influence of opium. In fact we first meet him when his assistant Sgt. Godley (Robbie Coltrane) fetches him out of an opium den. Abberline soon sees a pattern develop in the killings and determines that the killer is systematically murdering a circle of prostitutes for some unknown reason. Among the "ladies" is Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) with whom he eventually falls in love.
Abberline seeks help from famous surgeon (Ian Holm) who explains the technical aspects of the murders. Thwarting him for apparent political reasons is his superior (Ian Richardson).
There are enough of twists and turns in the plot to hold the viewer's interest. There are also several gruesome and realistic murders, lobotomies and a resolution that make come as a shock to some.
Not for the squeamish.