R E V I E W S

Animal, The (2001)

Starring: Rob Schneider, Colleen Haskell, Michael Caton, Edward Asner
Director: Luke Greenfield
Rating: PG-13

Studio: Columbia

Review Posted: 6.10.01

Rating: 2/4

By Michael Brendan McLarney.

"Primarily Primitive"

"The Animal" belongs to that category of films unaware of the fact that a one-joke premise just isn't capable of sustaining interest for a full-length feature, regardless of how well it masters the one joke. It's not an awful
movie, just one that inevitably wears thin well before the end credits begin to roll.

The movie stars Rob Schneider as Marvin Mange, a wimpy, weak, pathetic file clerk in the police evidence lockup. His dreams of one day becoming a full-fledged officer of the law remain on the back burner, as he doesn't possess the physical skills necessary. One day while left alone at the
precinct, Marvin answers an emergency call. A robbery is in progress but while en route to the scene, he is involved in an automobile accident and horribly injured. Upon returning to consciousness, he slowly realizes that he now houses special abilities, including an unusually strong sense of
smell and an ability to run at unbelievable speeds. His new skills enable him to join the police force, much to the chagrin of his arrogant partner, Detective Doug Sisk (John C. McGinley).

The truth of what happened to him is soon revealed by an eccentric scientist aptly named Dr. Wilder (Michael Caton). The recluse saved Marvin by implanting animal parts where his limbs used to be. The remainder of the story follows Marvin's attempts at balancing his primal instincts and urges
with his more docile human side, especially in his progressing relationship with plucky animal shelter volunteer Rianna (Colleen Haskell).

The movie's idea does make for a good trailer. I remember laughing out loud a few times during the previews for the film. Unfortunately, I laughed the exact same number of times during the course of the movie itself. The problem doesn't lie in the filmmakers' ability to evoke laughter, but rather that it doesn't offer anything beyond its initial premise. There are a couple of fun moments, including Marvin's need to "mark his territory" after walking Rianna home following a date. Essentially though, the story isn't
anything more than a comedy skit stretched beyond its limit.

Rob Schneider does appear to be having fun as he explores the facets of animal behavior. "Survivor"'s Colleen Haskell is a pleasant screen presence despite being given very little to do. I also liked the performance of Guy Torry ("Pearl Harbor") as Marvin's African-American best friend who's an
enemy of tokenism, growing increasingly tired of being treated with an added degree of respect just because he's black.

It's too bad though, that the positive elements are at the mercy of a story that doesn't tread beyond its simplistic comic idea. The film has a one-note feel to it, perhaps making it a good video rental suggestion, but not warranting a full ticket admission price. At least, not for me. "The Animal" is a movie trapped in primitivity.

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