by Cookie N Screen
Growing up in my household, there was only one comedic troop that we practically worshipped. And that was Monty Python. I remember my first meeting with the hilarity was when I accidentally walked in on my parents watching it after camping outside and became entranced ever since Terry Jones waved his bearded penis as the dumb religious man angry at Brian for breaking his vow. After that, it was all a snowball of films, sketches and hilarious songs filed with satirical humour, intelligent slapstick and great surreal moments. It even included departing into the solo efforts of the team which included the likes of 12 Monkeys, The Wind and The Willows and the excellent A Fish Called Wanda. But leaping off from that last one, the team of Monty Python-ers John Cleese and Michael Plain with A Fish Called Wanda cast Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis return for the ferocious Fierce Creatures. A family favourite that has been re- released on Blu-Ray today.
Growing up in my household, there was only one comedic troop that we practically worshipped. And that was Monty Python. I remember my first meeting with the hilarity was when I accidentally walked in on my parents watching it after camping outside and became entranced ever since Terry Jones waved his bearded penis as the dumb religious man angry at Brian for breaking his vow. After that, it was all a snowball of films, sketches and hilarious songs filed with satirical humour, intelligent slapstick and great surreal moments. It even included departing into the solo efforts of the team which included the likes of 12 Monkeys, The Wind and The Willows and the excellent A Fish Called Wanda. But leaping off from that last one, the team of Monty Python-ers John Cleese and Michael Plain with A Fish Called Wanda cast Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis return for the ferocious Fierce Creatures. A family favourite that has been re- released on Blu-Ray today.
The story revolves around a small zoo that has had a declining amount of attendance in recent years which stresses out the director Rollo Lee. In an attempt to boost ratings, he believes that he can attract in visitors by making the attractions appear dangerous and therefore, sexier. Upsetting the team of keepers by suggesting they kill the fluffier and tamer animals in favour of the most ferocious. When that doesn’t work, he then coats the other creatures with blood and fanged teeth. Unfortunately, all this goes awry when the corporate boss’s son and partner in crime come into town to see why the zoo is failing….
At times, this film struggles to find some genuine tones and definitely fails to grasp the innovative comedy from the initial A Fish Called Wanda which many, many understandably compared it to. That being said, when you place Fierce Creatures in its own cage it will roar with its own individuality and greatness. Though it is paced a little weirdly and at times, its extremely confused, this is its own farcical outing with enough British hilarity and American stars to make it incredibly an above average film which tickles even to this day.
At times, this film struggles to find some genuine tones and definitely fails to grasp the innovative comedy from the initial A Fish Called Wanda which many, many understandably compared it to. That being said, when you place Fierce Creatures in its own cage it will roar with its own individuality and greatness. Though it is paced a little weirdly and at times, its extremely confused, this is its own farcical outing with enough British hilarity and American stars to make it incredibly an above average film which tickles even to this day.
What works is not just the stellar acting of everyone involved (did you expect anything else?) but the jokes and mishaps all teem with this electrifying comedy. See the farcical elements that team with the sardonic nature of it all seem to work in this haphazard yet glorious way. From the cute furry creatures that fill the zoo to the John Cleese actor of an overstressed zoo director just trying to make ends meet (but with a secret sweet side), Fierce Creatures never strays from the glorious hilarity through extended rants, slapstick and sweet sweet British humiliation.
It’s not a gifted film nor is it smartly done, but it does make a chomping great family (ish) film that works because of its collection of stars and talents. Not only does the final third leap this film into brilliance and enhances the somewhat lacklustre first half, the crazy collection of zoo keeper weirdoes (including a stellar turn by Michael Palin as the strange spider-handler “Bugsy”) and knowing that it is there to entertain rather than drolly comment (though one could argue that the element of corporations taking over small business is stressed here) - Fierce Creatures is whimsical film that will definitely please.
It’s not a gifted film nor is it smartly done, but it does make a chomping great family (ish) film that works because of its collection of stars and talents. Not only does the final third leap this film into brilliance and enhances the somewhat lacklustre first half, the crazy collection of zoo keeper weirdoes (including a stellar turn by Michael Palin as the strange spider-handler “Bugsy”) and knowing that it is there to entertain rather than drolly comment (though one could argue that the element of corporations taking over small business is stressed here) - Fierce Creatures is whimsical film that will definitely please.
What Do You Think?
Is Fierce Creatures a roaring success?
Or should it be locked away for good?
Let us know in the comments below!
Fierce Creatures is out on Blu-Ray now.
Or should it be locked away for good?
Let us know in the comments below!
Fierce Creatures is out on Blu-Ray now.
RSS Feed
