Based upon the legend of the infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, From Hell exudes a dark and creepy feel as Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp) tracks the killer before he can take his revenge on an "unfortunate" (read: prostitute) whom he has fallen in love with. Whereas most films centering around a historical figure tend to stray little from the truth, From Hell, based on a comic book novel by Alan Moore, takes many liberties, but has room to do so since Jack the Ripper was never actually caught in real life.

The element that elevates From Hell above the rest of the genre is that while it does feature a detective trying to solve a murder spree before it can claim the next victim, it also goes into the psyche of the murderer. The movie is able to effectively get inside the head of Jack the Ripper and also Inspector Abbeline as they seem to play a game with each other throughout the movie. The film doesn't take it easy with regards to blood and gore, but it doesn't go over the top either. It only shows enough to pique the viewer's interest and leaves the rest to the imagination. It shows just enough to illustrate the brutality of the murders, but yet shows restraint by not going over-the-top. The beauty of this film, is it's ability to keep a certain amount of suspense throughout even though the plot tends to repeat itself. It does so through spectacular settings and imaginative story-telling.

Depp once again proves himself in the genre as the inspector, doing a brilliant job from the start as he's under the influence of opium, to the end where he must confront his true feelings. Heather Graham plays the "unfortunate" with whom Abbeline falls in love with and tries to protect throughout and while her acting was good, it's nothing special as she tends to overact a bit too much. With the Hughes brothers at the helm, the film is able to take on a sort of dark and mysterious quality while grounding itself in the real world, but also being able to exhibit a certain comic quality as required by the source of the film.

In many ways, From Hell isn't your typical horror/thriller, but in many ways it is. It's got a special aura about it that keeps you interested throughout and provides and exceptional plot and storyline. It was a pleasant surprise when the ending was revealed as you could see some parts of the ending coming, but it didn't pull a complete 180 on you, demanding the most outlandish explanation. It's a good example of how a movie should be made, with a solid plot and good acting. While the film does a good job describing and displaying the hunt of Jack the Ripper, the subplot of romance between Depp and Graham seems a bit muted and left to the side, which is fine when all is said and done, but their relationship could have been nurtured a bit more and brought to the forefront. Nonetheless, From Hell is an entertaining movie with great direction which seems to be lacking from most movies these days. I recommend it to all that qualify for admission under the ratings system.

Please don't take your children - I saw a couple youngsters in the audience and I was absolutely appalled. Just absurd that parents think that this material is suitable. The ratings are there for a reason - abide by them and your children will lead a better life. Thus ends my lecture.

Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Rated: R - For strong violence/gore, sexuality, language and drug content.
Runtime: 121 minutes
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