Fierce Creatures Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A zoo tries to survive corporate greed by showcasing only the most dangerous animals, then it doesn’t, then it does again, maybe?

🍿 Fierce Creatures: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Takeover

A massive corporation, Octopus Inc., led by the ruthless Rod McCain, acquires a failing London zoo, Marwood Zoo. Rod’s focus is purely on profit, demanding a 20% return on investment, threatening closure if the zoo doesn’t comply. To achieve this, he sends Rollo Lee, a no-nonsense executive, to manage the zoo.

The ‘Fierce Creatures’ Policy

Rollo implements a controversial ‘Fierce Creatures’ policy, intending to get rid of all the cuddly animals and showcase only the dangerous ones, believing this will attract more visitors. The zookeepers, who are passionate about all the animals, are horrified and try to prove that even the seemingly harmless creatures can be ‘fierce’.

Corporate Interference

Rod’s son, Vince McCain, and business executive Willa Weston, arrive to oversee the zoo’s operations. Vince, desperate to impress his father, implements increasingly outlandish and unethical marketing schemes, including celebrity endorsements and replacing animals with robotic replicas. Willa, initially focused on business, starts to appreciate the zoo’s charm and the keepers’ dedication.

Saving the Zoo

Willa and Rollo, growing closer, realize the destructive nature of the McCains’ plans. They conspire with the zookeepers to save the zoo from being turned into a golf course by exposing Vince’s embezzlement and sabotaging Rod’s plans. The film culminates in a series of farcical events as they race against time to protect the animals and preserve Marwood Zoo.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rollo Lee (John Cleese): A by-the-book former police officer turned zoo director, tasked with increasing profits by showcasing only ‘fierce creatures’.
• Willa Weston (Jamie Lee Curtis): An ambitious business executive sent to oversee the zoo, who develops a fondness for the animals and Rollo.
• Vince McCain (Kevin Kline): The inept and opportunistic son of a media mogul, who tries to exploit the zoo for personal gain with bizarre marketing schemes.
• Rod McCain (Kevin Kline): A ruthless media mogul focused solely on profit, who intends to sell the zoo if it doesn’t meet his financial demands.
• Bugsy Malone (Michael Palin): A talkative and dedicated zookeeper, passionate about the animals and resistant to the corporate changes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rollo: “We want a lethal weapon in every cage.” – Rollo explains his vision for the zoo, focusing only on dangerous animals to increase profits.
• Vince: “Told you I’d kick ass, Dad.” – Vince seeks approval from his father after implementing a new scheme at the zoo.
• Rollo: “Are you suggesting that I am sexually attractive to women?” – Rollo is in disbelief that the other characters think that he is a ladies’ man.
• Vince: “I am not a wuss!” – Vince tries to show Rod that he is not weak.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,381,260
• Worldwide Gross: $9,381,260

💥 Fierce Creatures Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this in the cinema and being so excited, mainly because of ‘A Fish Called Wanda’. While it didn’t quite reach those heights, I still found myself laughing out loud. Kline is hilarious in his dual role, and Cleese is always brilliant. The jokes are silly, but that’s what I liked. I think I liked when they tried to make their cuddly animals sound super scary. This movie is an entertaining night in with friends. Definitely worth revisiting for a light-hearted laugh.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British humor”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ensemble comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate the acting of John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin”
  • “Fans of the movie A Fish Called Wanda”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some slapstick violence”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Fierce Creatures boasts a stellar cast, but it struggles to recapture the magic of ‘A Fish Called Wanda’. While there are moments of inspired lunacy, the plot feels disjointed and the humor often falls flat. Kline shines in his dual role, but overall, the film lacks the sharp wit and clever storytelling of its predecessor.
• Variety: “Despite reuniting the cast of ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, ‘Fierce Creatures’ fails to deliver the same comedic punch. The film’s satire of corporate greed feels heavy-handed, and the characters lack the depth and charm of their previous roles. While there are some amusing moments, the overall experience is underwhelming.
• Sight & Sound: “‘Fierce Creatures’ relies heavily on slapstick and broad humor, often at the expense of wit and intelligence. While the cast is undeniably talented, the film’s plot is convoluted and the characters are underdeveloped. The overall experience is disappointing, failing to live up to the promise of its pedigree.

Audience Reactions

Kevin Kline’s dual performance as both father and son is the highlight of the film.: Most agree that while not as good as ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, it’s still a funny movie with a great cast.

The film features a great plot and is rarely boring.: The performances help and this film has such a sweetness and a general good spirit to it that I find it impossible to dislike.

Overall Consensus: A decent comedy with a stellar cast, but falls short of the brilliance of ‘A Fish Called Wanda’.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was originally directed by Robert Young, but after test screenings, much of the film was re-shot by Fred Schepisi, resulting in a blend of both directors’ work.”
• “John Cleese has stated that he was unhappy with the final product, considering it a disappointment despite the talented cast.”
• “The zoo featured in the film is Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England. The filmmakers made use of its real enclosures and animal collection.”
• “Several actors from ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ returned, making this something of a spiritual successor, though with a completely different storyline.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fierce Creatures?

Fierce Creatures is available to rent or buy on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for television availability. Depending on your region, it may also be available for streaming on other subscription services. Unfortunately, there are no current streaming options available for free through subscriptions at this time.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fierce Creatures, you might like these similar films:

• A Fish Called Wanda (1988): Shares the same core cast (John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin) and comedic sensibilities, exploring similar themes of greed and absurdity.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Features the same surreal and absurdist humor that defines John Cleese’s comedic style.
• Rat Race (2001): Another ensemble comedy with a focus on absurdity and slapstick.
• Splitting Heirs (1993): A British comedy with John Cleese in a cameo and a light-hearted plot.

🛒 Fierce Creatures Related Products

• A Fish Called Wanda [Blu-ray]: Relive the comedy that made the cast famous, with this Blu-ray edition of the classic, showcasing the brilliance that sparked this film’s inspiration.
• John Cleese Signed ‘Fierce Creatures’ Movie Poster: Own a piece of movie history with a signed poster from the legendary John Cleese, a unique addition for collectors and fans alike.
• Marwell Zoo – Adopt an Animal: Marwell Zoo, where Fierce Creatures was filmed, have opportunities to support their charity by adopting an animal.
• Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Complete Series [DVD]: Enjoy a nostalgic trip with the complete collection of Monty Python’s groundbreaking series, perfect for appreciating Cleese and Palin’s comedic roots.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fierce Creatures features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hungry Heart” – performed by Bruce Springsteen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Fierce Creatures – Satan is a Vampire

Remember that hilariously bizarre moment from Fierce Creatures with the ‘Satan is a Vampire’ line? This audio clip lets you relive that awkwardness anytime. It’s strangely captivating!

✨ Rate