Okay, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to 1997. The buzz was palpable. Nearly a decade after the pitch-perfect, darkly hilarious A Fish Called Wanda (1988) became a transatlantic smash and an instant classic, the core team was getting back together. John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin – reunited! The anticipation pulling that fresh VHS copy of Fierce Creatures off the rental shelf was immense. Could lightning strike twice? Would it capture that same magic? Well, buckle up, because the story behind this creature feature is almost as wild as the on-screen antics.
### Not Quite Wanda, But Still Wild
Let's get the obvious out of the way: Fierce Creatures isn't A Fish Called Wanda. Trying to recapture that specific, brilliant alchemy was always going to be a monumental task. Instead of stolen diamonds and stuttering assassins, we're dropped into the Marwell Zoological Park in Hampshire, England (standing in for the fictional Wessex Zoo). The premise? A ruthless media mogul, Rod McCain (Kevin Kline, pulling double duty), buys the zoo and decrees that only "fierce creatures" will be displayed to boost profits. Enter his crass, overbearing son Vince (also Kline, chewing scenery with gusto) and the ambitious executive Willa Weston (Jamie Lee Curtis) to enforce the new, deeply unpopular policy. Caught in the middle is the zoo's newly appointed, overly pedantic director, Rollo Lee (John Cleese), a former police officer hilariously out of his depth. And, of course, there’s Michael Palin as Bugsy, the incredibly chatty insect expert.
The setup is pure farce, relying on misunderstandings, escalating chaos, and the inherent comedy of humans being outsmarted (or terrified) by animals. Cleese is in fine form as the flustered Rollo, trying desperately to maintain order while everything crumbles around him. His simmering frustration and eventual surrender to the absurdity are classic Cleese. Curtis, rocking some truly memorable 90s power suits, navigates the corporate scheming and eventual romantic entanglement with Rollo with sharp comic timing. Palin’s Bugsy, while perhaps underutilized compared to his Ken Pile in Wanda, brings his unique brand of gentle, rambling charm.
### Kline Times Two and a Production Zoo
The MVP here, arguably, is Kevin Kline. Playing both the Rupert Murdoch-esque tycoon Rod McCain and his repellent son Vince allows him to showcase his incredible comedic range. Vince, in particular, is a glorious creation of unchecked ego and terrible ideas, a stark contrast to the suave, Oscar-winning Otto West from Wanda. Watching Kline switch between the calculating elder McCain and the buffoonish Vince is a genuine treat.
But the real behind-the-scenes drama adds another layer to appreciating Fierce Creatures. This wasn't a smooth production. Original director Robert Young (Splitting Heirs) was reportedly replaced partway through filming. Why? Test screenings of his initial cut apparently went disastrously. Enter Fred Schepisi, known for sophisticated comedies like Roxanne (1987), who was brought in to oversee extensive reshoots. Rumour has it these reshoots cost millions and significantly altered the film's tone and plot, delaying its release. You can almost feel some of that patchwork quality on screen – moments that shine brightly next to sequences that feel a little less focused. It's a testament to the cast's professionalism that their chemistry still sparkles despite the turmoil.
### The Comedy Cage Match
So, does the comedy work? Mostly, yes. It leans heavily into slapstick and farcical situations – mistaken identities involving animal costumes, accidental tranquilizer darts, the constant threat of escaped (or strategically released) predators. It lacks the razor-sharp wit and darker edge of Wanda, opting for broader, sillier strokes. The scenes involving the actual animals provide some great physical comedy, a reminder of when wrangling real critters (under careful supervision, one hopes!) was the go-to instead of CGI. Remember that scene with the lemur? Classic physical comedy timing.
It doesn't always hit the bullseye, and some gags feel a bit strained or repetitive. The "fierceness" policy itself feels slightly less potent as a satirical target compared to Wanda's commentary on Anglo-American culture clashes. Yet, there's an undeniable charm to the whole affair. Watching these beloved actors bounce off each other again, clearly having some fun amidst the production chaos, is infectious. It’s like visiting old friends who’ve moved to a slightly weirder neighborhood.
### A Creature Comfort Rewatch?
When Fierce Creatures finally hit theatres (and subsequently, our beloved VHS shelves), the reception was mixed. Critics were often lukewarm, inevitably drawing comparisons to its near-perfect predecessor. Audiences seemed to enjoy it well enough, but it never achieved the cultural penetration or financial success of Wanda. It grossed around $43 million worldwide against a budget that ballooned (due to those reshoots) to a reported $25 million – not a disaster, but not the runaway hit many hoped for.
Looking back from the vintage glow of our CRT screens, Fierce Creatures feels like a perfectly enjoyable slice of late-90s studio comedy. It’s broader, messier, and less groundbreaking than Wanda, absolutely. But it's also genuinely funny in places, boasts a stellar cast giving it their all, and has that slightly ramshackle charm often found in films born from troubled productions. It's a reminder of a time when star-driven, slightly quirky comedies were a regular fixture at the multiplex and the video store.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6.5/10
Justification: The legendary cast reunion and Kevin Kline's dual performance elevate the material considerably. There are definite laughs and a certain chaotic energy. However, the shadow of A Fish Called Wanda, combined with the unevenness likely stemming from its troubled production and reshoots, keeps it from true greatness. It's good, sometimes very good, but lacks the consistent brilliance of its spiritual predecessor.
Final Take: Not quite the king of the comedy jungle its lineage suggested, but Fierce Creatures is far from extinct entertainment. Pop that tape in for the cast chemistry and some genuinely funny farce – just don't expect another Wanda. It’s a comfy, familiar, slightly frantic trip back to the zoo, 90s style.