A Fish Called Wanda became very popular and it is very entertaining.  Some of the cast decided that they wanted to make another movie together.  1997's Fierce Creatures is that movie.

Marwood Zoo has been bought by Octopus Inc., a corporation that requires a specific profit margin.  Rollo Lee, a retired policeman, is put in charge of the zoo.  In an attempt to meet the profit, Rollo comes up with the idea that the zoo will only have dangerous animals.  He believes the possibility of violence from the animals will draw more visitors.

The staff of the zoo isn't happy and tries to come up with ways to get around the new policy.  They fake injuries by calm, friendly animals but Rollo figures up what they are up to.  It isn't long before Rollo is suspended and Willa Weston from Octopus Inc. arrives to take control.  Vince McCain, the son of Roy, the man who runs Octopus Inc., comes with Willa and the two of them start working on ideas for the zoo to make more money.

Even though Fierce Creatures has the same main cast as A Fish Called Wanda, there is no other connection between the two movies.  The cast play completely different characters and the plot of the two movies are in no way connected.  That could disappoint some people.  This movie is different, but I still think it is interesting and worth watching.  

The plot for Fierce Creatures is somewhat simple which might disappoint some viewers.  The movie is focused on attempts to make Marwood Zoo make more money.  Rollo's idea is a bit different and even seems a bit odd, though I can sort of see his reasoning with how people in general seem to like more violence.  I do think it makes sense that the employees of the zoo aren't happy about the new policy and how they are supposed to get rid of the nonviolent animals.  There really isn't suspense to what is going on, though I honestly didn't expect a few things that happened the first time I saw the movie.  It has been a long time since I first saw the movie.  If I remember right, at that time I thought it was somewhat bizarre.  I've seen it a few more times over the years and I think I like it more now than I did the first time I saw it.  This movie had to grow on me a bit.

The comedy in Fierce Creatures is a little different, so it probably won't appeal to some people.  Some of what is done for humor is a bit twisted or down right bizarre.  I do think the humor works well for the movie and helps to keep things entertaining.  Rollo says and does several things that make me laugh.  He and a few of the other characters end up in funny situations.  Vince also says and does things that I think are funny.  He does seem to be going overboard a few times, but it works for the character.  Some of the humor is a bit suggestive but I didn't think anything was gross.

There isn't much romance in Fierce Creatures, though there are a few hints.  Vince is definitely interested in Willa and actively chasing after her while she doesn't seem to be as interested.  Vince does make a few sexual remarks.  After Willa and Rollo spend a little time together, it does seem like there is an attraction between them.  There are a few mild sexual situations in the movie without much being seen.  A few things that happen or are said are suggestive.  Some language is used throughout the movie, though it isn't that excessive or graphic.  The movie is rated PG-13, so it really isn't one for kids.  I doubt children would be interested in it anyway.

Rollo is trying really hard to do a good job, which is probably why he comes up with some rather desperate ideas.  He doesn't always handle things as well as he could, which does cause further complications for himself.  He seems like a nice enough character.  John Cleese is great in the part.  Willa works for Octopus Inc. and she takes her work seriously even though she doesn't always seem to agree with what her boss does.  Jamie Lee Curtis handles the part well.  

Vince is working with Willa even though he doesn't seem too concerned with the zoo itself.  He does seem like a spoiled kid having a tantrum at times.  He is a bit of a jerk and really not that likeable.  Kevin Kline is great in the part.  He, Curtis, and Cleese work wonderfully well together.  Kline also plays Rod, Vince's father.  The two are very different though they do resemble each other.  Rod is an even bigger jerk than his son.  Adrian is one of the zookeepers who is upset about the new policy.  He is involved in what the other employees do in protesting the new policy.  Michael Palin is fine in the part.  Several other zookeepers are shown without them standing out as much.

Main Cast

John Cleese - Rollo
Jamie Lee Curtis - Willa
Kevin Kline - Vince/Rod
Michael Palin - Adrian

Directed by Fred Schepisi and Robert Young

I think I rented Fierce Creatures on VHS when I first saw it years ago.  I have seen it on different channels over the years.  I watched it on HBO when I watched it again this time.  The movie has been released on DVD, though I don't know what sort of extras were on the disc.  It looks like another DVD version will be released in a few months.

Fierce Creatures is a bit different, but it is a funny, entertaining movie overall.  It just isn't one that will appeal to everyone.  Fans of the cast should give it a chance.

This review is part of CaptainD's Good Movies EpiGuide 3 Write Off.

John Cleese Movie Reviews
Around the World in 80 Days ~ Die Another Day ~ Fawlty Towers - The Complete Set ~ A Fish Called Wanda ~ The Great Muppet Caper ~ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ~ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ~ Looney Tunes: Back in Action ~ The Pink Panther 2 ~ Shrek 2 ~ Shrek the Third ~ Valiant ~

Recommended: Yes