Fierce Creatures

1997 "Don't pet them."
6.4| 1h33m| PG-13| en
Details

Ex-policeman Rollo Lee is sent to run Marwood Zoo, the newly acquired business of a New Zealand tycoon. In order to meet high profit targets and keep the zoo open, Rollo enforces a new 'fierce creatures' policy, whereby only the most impressive and dangerous animals are allowed to remain in the zoo. However, the keepers are less enthusiastic about complying with these demands.

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Reviews

Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece
Fluentiama Perfect cast and a good story
Pluskylang Great Film overall
Kirandeep Yoder The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.
Parker Lewis I and so many others loved A Fish Called Wanda, and the question was whether there would be A Fish Called Wanda 2, as the whole world wanted to see Cleese, Kline, Curtis and Palin reunite because of their fantastic chemistry. I read that John Cleese was hoping a "sequel" would be along the tradition of the Carry On movies where the same troupe of cast members would be in a different setting but kind of the same comedic style. Maybe focus groups were conducted and the audience were kind of confused about the concept behind Fierce Creatures, so a genius make up with the line in the cinema trailer "It's not a sequel, it's an equal." Kind of neat if you know I mean.The IMDb plot line for Fierce Creatures is: "Zookeepers struggle to deal with the policies of changing directors." Not sure if it's a coincidence, but Australian Fred Schepsi was brought in as the new director following initial test screenings, as the original director Robert Young was unavailable for reshoots. Also a new director of photography, Australian Ian Baker came on board, replacing the legendary Adrian Biddle, who had an impressive resume as director of photography.Who knows, maybe one day Cleese, Kline, Curtis and Palin can reunite for a third film in the tradition of the Carry On movies. It's never too late when it comes to sequels, I mean equals.
SimonJack Although it has the three main characters from "A Fish Called Wanda," this film sure isn't a sequel to that one. It's a whole new plot, and though not quite a funny as their first, the three stars still are quite hilarious here."Fierce Creatures" pokes a lot of fun at a lot of things – most, very subtly. The PG-13 rating is right on. I suspect whomever decides those things did so here because some children might be offended because they don't understand the treatment of animals. Actually, the film is quite adult in its humor with its subtle sexual innuendos. They are mostly very funny. Most young teens today probably wouldn't get them either. This movie clearly was made for adults, and it's a real hoot. I don't know any other comedy actor today who can play the naïve (almost) innocent guy of good intentions who turns out to be such a buffoon. John Cleese (as Rollo Lee) always nails such roles. Those, and his sardonic Basil Fawlty are great sources for tons of laughter. All the roles are played well here. Kevin Kline is very good in his double role. His Rod McCain seems overblown, but I suspect it's meant to be so, and is still quite funny. Some of the greatest humor is in the scenes where we see Jamie Lee Curtis as Willa Weston, and her look of fantasy with a smile on her face. They happen each time there are innuendos of Cleese's Rollo having various sexual trysts. One can imagine her thoughts. This is a very funny film that many people are sure to like. Here are some sample lines to whet one's appetite. The zoo staff is trying to convince Rollo, the new zoo manager, that their small animals are ferocious. Rollo wants to feature the ferocious and scary to draw more crowds. Sydney, played by Robert Lindsay, has a sign up warning people about the dangerous meerkats. Rollo tells him it's preposterous. Sydney, "Oh, you've never been attacked by one, sir." Rollo, "Nobody's been attacked by one. Or, rather, if they have they never noticed."Rollo, "Look, look. I have to be hard-nosed. All the time. I mean McCain demands it. All the time. You've gotta be tough, tough, tough. God knows why." Willa. "You mean Octopus is ruled by fear?" Rollo, "No. No. By terror."No other zoos will take their small animals. Rollo tells the staff they will have to dispose of them. They bring the animals to him to shoot. Pip, played by Cynthia Cleese, says, "You will make it quick, sir, won't you?" Rollo, "What? You mean I'm not allowed to torture them a bit first just for fun? " Pip, "You wouldn't do that?" Rollo, "I wasn't serious, you stupid girl." Later, the zoo staff are gathered and they hear shots. They find Rollo patting the dirt on top of several apparent graves. They think he shot the small animals. Until later when they discover he has them as pets in his apartment.If this were a Marx Brothers film (in place of the three leads), it would be called "A Day at the Zoo."
david-sarkies My first impression of this movie is that it is very Monty Python. This is not surprising considering that John Cleese wrote it. The film comprises of the actors from A Fish Called Wanda, but unlike the previous movie, the comedy in Fierce Creatures is much more Pythonisque. The most Pythonish part of this movie is the first part where the zookeepers are trying to convince Cleese that these cute, cuddly, animals are actually vicious creatures.An executive, Willa, quits her job to go and work for the most powerful businessman in the world. The problem is, is that the company that she was going to oversee he had already sold, so she decides to take up the offer of running a zoo. The bosses son, who likes Willa and wants to sleep with her, goes over to England with her to help run the zoo. The rules are that the zoo must make a 20% profit margin or it is deemed too useless and is torn down. This is a problem because there are a lot of animals in the zoo that will be killed with it. But the tycoon doesn't care, he just wants his money.Fierce Creatures is a poke at big business and the way that it sacrifices that which makes life interesting for money. The boss is willing to kill all of the animals in the zoo, and in fact didn't fire Cleese because he thought he did kill some of the animals. It also has a go at Rupert Murdoch because the Tycoon is a New Zealander and has a very bad Australian accent. In fact, the minute the boss enters the movie you immediately know that he is an Australian, though the claim to be a New Zealander really bad because New Zealander accents are nothing like Australian accents (well, okay, they are, but listen really closely when they say six).It is also cute the way Cleese is set up in a way that he seems to sleep with multiple women. One can see a set up happening, and it is always done in a way that it seems he has multiple women, which is quite cute. The thing is that Cleese does not have any women in the movie except for Willa at the end. And of course the bosses' son is quite jealous about this.Fierce Creatures is a pretty good movie and sticks to what is expected from Monty Python. Those who appreciated Monty Python will find that this movie is just as enjoyable.
Galina Let me take it out of my system first. There never will be another A Fish Called Wanda. That comedy was one and only, perfect, brilliant, mean, witty, the best film about culture clashes, the best backstabbing comedy, the best - everything. For me, Wanda is a Citizen Kane of the comedy. Period. What makes is outstanding, are the four partners in crime as written by John Cleese and played by Cleese himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Palin, and Kevin Kline that were simply incredible, and, let's face it, despite being criminals and back-stabbers, you would love them all. I know I did.When Fierce Creatures was released 12 years ago, I ran to see it and I was bitterly disappointed. I expected Wanda, Part 2 - which is impossible because ...see the first paragraph. Last night I caught FC on TV and I have to admit that it IS a good and funny film. It knows that it is a follow up to A Fish Called Wanda. It references to the perfect predecessor, makes you laugh, and lets you meet again with the fabulous four and many supporting players from Wanda. Fierce Creatures has gained Cult Status with years, and I am now a part of its following. The script was written by John Cleese and the plot is convoluted and silly at the same time. The best, the funniest moments play off mistaken assuming that John Cleese's character Rollo, ex-cop appointed the London Marwood Zoo Director, is a sexy beast for whom one woman is not enough. The scenes between Cleese (Rollo Lee) and Willa Weston, an American business-woman (Jamie Lee Curtis) are the funniest. The weakest links in the movie are IMO Michael Palin who unlike his character Ken in AFCW can talk and he just would never shut up. His character became boring and annoying very soon. The same sadly should be said about Kevin Kline playing two roles, the Australian billionaire Ron McClain, ruthless, obnoxious, and vulgar, and his weakling loser son Vince whom his father despises. Needless to say there is not much love lost between an arrogant father and his estranged son. The film has so many hilarious jokes and witty references not only to A Fish Called Wanda but to Monty Python series that by the time of the conclusion, I had enough fun and laughs to tolerate and forgive the loud and messy final act.