Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
…………………………………………………
Doctor Who: The Movie Review
Doctor Who: The Movie is a 1996 television film which is part of the Doctor Who franchise. It is a passable diversion, but certainly weaker than the show itself.
………………………………………………….
“I finally meet the right guy, and he’s from another planet“
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
It truly is an oddity in the show’s history not only because it is not a series but a movie, but mostly because it just feels very different and somewhat of a missing link between the show’s Classic Era and its Revival Era. There are a lot of old-fashioned aspects here mixed with the modern ones making you sense that it’s a bridge in a way.
Paul McGann plays the Eighth Doctor and I found his version forgettable, but definitely appealing. In looks, he reminds me of Tom Baker too much, but in terms of personality, he is somewhat different than all of the previous incarnations as he is more calmer and gentle as well as emotional in personality. He even kissed his accompanying lady in the end which is certainly a first for the series.
Speaking of her, Daphne Ashbrook’s Grace Holloway is actually quite sweet and charming as the sidekick. I really liked her and I wanted more of her. Chang Lee himself is underutilized but still pretty memorable and likable. The dynamic between these three was interesting. And the Master is solid, but not as menacing as he should have been.
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
My major problem with this movie is of course its storyline which is ridiculously convoluted and needlessly complicated. It is only somewhat cinematic in its ending which is very sweet, but otherwise it felt like an extended episode of the show and in my opinion another twenty minutes and more simplistic approach or even one or two subplots would have done wonders for it.
The special effects are passable, the film relies too much on them as well as the creatures and the action sequences. It definitely felt like a cheap 90s science fiction movie and thus it was instantly obvious in which decade it came out. I wanted a more timeless approach and much better story and action as well as dialogue. All of those are lacking and technically the film is not well directed, paced or shot.
Doctor Who: The Movie benefits from solid character, acting and ending, but it features a needlessly complicated plot which is not particularly engaging or memorable while also having too many special effects, action and a cheap 90s feel to it. It is an okay film, but it should have been much better.
