The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a 2006 horror film, and an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella. It was directed by John Carl Buechler, and produced by Peter Davy, British American film producer. The film is set in modern times instead of Victorian England.
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Plot
Dr. Henry Jekyll has succeeded in curing a higher primate of his serious heart condition. He tests the serum on himself, resulting in dire consequences; he is transformed into the evil Edward Hyde. Dr. Jekyll does not realize that Hyde is a manifestation of himself, and develops a kind of multiple personality disorder. Hyde murders female college students and frames Jekyll. Jekyll feels guilty about the murders, and gives the victims' families $30,000 in damages. Hyde rapes and murders Jekyll's boss, Donna Carew.
During a dinner party, Jekyll's friend Dennis Lanyon sees his colleague transform into Hyde before his eyes. Detective Karen Utterson and Lanyon race to find Jekyll before it's too late, as the serum gives Hyde immortality. Jekyll tries giving himself up to the police, but Hyde won't allow him to go to prison, knowing he will be executed: If Jekyll dies, so does Hyde.
Jekyll commits suicide by jumping off the roof of the hospital, in order to make sure that Hyde will never hurt anyone ever again. As Jekyll dies, he says "It was for my soul."
Cast
Tony Todd as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Edward Hyde
Tracy Scoggins as Karen Utterson
Vernon Wells as Dr. Dennis Lanyon
Rebecca Grant as Linda Santiago
Judith Shekoni as Renée
Danielle Nicolet as Whitney Weddings
Arloa Reston as Gloria Hatten
Stefanie Budiman as Whitney's body double
John Paul Fedele as Alan Ballard
Paula Ficara as Dominio Hunter
Peter Jason as Lt. Hamilton
Marie Louise Jones as Valet
Howard Kahen as Perkins
Tyler Kain as Colleen Woodbe
Miranda Kwok as Stacy Li
Michelle Lee as Kim Li
Justin Levin as Jesse
Peter Lupus III as Gerald Poole
Elina Madison as Cindy shivers
Clayton Martinez as Arnold
Mike Muscat as Night Watchman
Grant Reynolds as Security Guard
Deborah Shelton as Donna Carew
Release
The film was released on DVD by Image Entertainment on May 20, 2008.
Reception
Critical reception for the film has been negative. Jon Condit from Dread Central awarded the film a score of 2.5 out of 5 stating, "While this latest variation of the Jekyll story isn't likely to win over any enthusiasts of the book, it will probably satisfy the undiscerning fan looking for some blood and a few unintentional laughs".
DVD Verdict gave the film a negative review criticizing the film's lack of atmosphere, pacing and the film's ending.