MovieChat Forums > The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire (2002) Discussion > A total waste of time

A total waste of time

posted 18 years ago by Major_Movie_Star
7 replies | jump to latest

Dedicated Sherlock devotees will recoil in horror from this monstrosity. It is much longer than it needs to be, the acting is awful, the special effects wose than useless...one could go on. Of course a dedicated Sherlockian would be prepared to forgive these things if the story was rewarding in the end, but it absolutely is not. The motive for the murders is pathetic.

By far the best Holmes for the TV is the superb British series starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock. I would hardly watch anything else.

[–] Gypsy_Violins 14 years ago

I agree, he is no Mr. Brett, but I do not think he nor the movie were that horrid either. I enjoyed all the ones I have seen thus far from this series.

[–] jewelparsons1234 13 years ago

Mr Brett was indeed the superior Holmes - if you are following the "classic" image of Sherlock Holmes. And the Brits did a far superior series in terms of atmosphere, placement and intrigue.

However, I for one found this series of Holmes far more entertaining. It was enjoyable to watch, and it was interesting to show Holmes in a new light.

I especially enjoyed The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire. I thought putting Holmes in a supernatural situation (much like in Hound of the Baskervilles) was a very interesting idea. Pitting the cold, rational logic of Holmes against that of a supernatural demon. This particular story anchor fascinates me.

I think in the end if you are expecting this to portray a traditionally authentic Holmes you will be dissapointed (both in this movie and the Frewer series). I however, merely wanted something entertaining. Which I got. Something that has a reasonable amount of intrigue and mystery, without being overly charged in atmosphere. Kind of like an Are You Afraid Of The Dark? episode. And that's what I got and I'm happy.

[–] Man_Who_Lived_Twice 12 years ago

Agree with jewelparsons. I was expecting this one to be a mess based on some comments here, but was entertained through the end. Anyone who thinks this is the most horrid Sherlock Holmes hasn't seen enough tv/film iterations. Arthur Wontner makes Matt Frewer look like Jeremy Brett.

[–] offramp_tavanipupu 11 years ago

Jeremy Brett is the third worst Homes I've ever seen, after Rupert Everett and Robert Downey.

[–] davebesag 10 years ago

I'm a dedicated Holmes fan and I found it enjoyable.

[–] GarryQ 9 years ago

I found all of Frewer's attempts at Holmes abysmal. Brett will probably never be equalled

[–] greenbudgie 9 years ago

I have all the Jeremy Brett Holmes on DVD. So I wanted something different from this film. 90 minutes is just ideal for me. I know some of the Holmes stories are shorter On Holmes TV versions. What I liked about this is the mish-mash of Holmes, Dracula, Jack the Ripper and the Guyanan elements. Not for Holmes purists I agree.