From Hell (2001)

From Hell stars Johnny Depp as Inspector Abberline, whose drug-induced visions give him mysterious insight into brutal crimes. His talents are called upon to solve a series of mysterious slayings at the hand of the man who would be known as Jack the Ripper. Heather Graham plays Mary Kelly, a street prostitute and potential target for the Ripper, with whom Abberline falls in love and must save from certain death.

I was pretty disappointed with this film. It's one of those movies that fills time without really accomplishing anything. It wasn't scary, it wasn't funny, it wasn't romantic or tragic, it didn't have any social commentary. It was just there. There is no palpable chemistry between Depp and Graham; although we can observe that he has some love for her, the audience never really feels it.

Also troubling is the often blatent disregard for historical truth. True, the film never makes any claim to be accurate, but I'm sure that many moviegoers will leave this film believing that the Ripper was in fact an instrument of a sinister conspiracy involving the monarchy and the Freemasons. In reality, this idea is based on flimsy, unsubstantiated theories and "evidence" that was, in some cases, conjured out of thin air. Those who have seen the film may be interested in this evaluation from Casebook: Jack the Ripper.

From Hell is a pretty unremarkable film filled with historical inaccuracies, and containing very little to sustain one's interest to the end. Rather than being an fascinating look into the mind of a serial killer, or at the very least, some romantic thriller, it is neither; just another cop-out conspiracy theory with little suspense. From Hell only accomplishes two things. First, it will teach you to beware strangers offering grapes. And second, it will give you a hearty laugh at its ridiculous use of the eulogy, "Good night, sweet prince." Don't rush out to see this one anytime soon. From Hell's mediocrity will leave you suspecting it actually came From Purgatory.