First of all I will say that I haven't read the book of this movie so this review will be on the DVD/movie. Now, I am a fan of the series, it has always fascinated me, the odd relationship between Hannibal and Clarice. That and the films develop the characters giving you more to think about as the story unravels.

This movie is set after 'Silence of the Lambs'. Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lector is still on the run, out of his state of 'hibernation', after 'being a little inactive'. The movie though centring on their relationship involved an old friend of Hannibal's, a 'Mason Verger'. This character had a run in with Hannibal in their younger years and has since developed an obsession over the cannibal.

I won't ruin the plot as it takes away the mystery and charm that you want to experience for yourself.

The settings within the movie are well chosen, I liked the way it was filmed, and it had the feel of the series. This and the plot is probably the main reason I enjoyed it. The new 'Starling' played by Julianne Moore took some getting used to. I must admit I didn't like her the first time I watched it, but the accent is pretty good and her face is of a similar shape to Foster's so it isn't a total disaster.

I feel a lot of the lines in the movie were a little too 'Hollywood', I don't think they really suited Hannibal's character greatly but then again he has been free from his cell for sometime so his personality might have developed or changed slightly.

All in all I recommend this film if you liked the others in the series. Be warned though that it is gory at times. Scenes involving the 'mirror, dog, and others made me turn away from watching them. Buy it as it is under £4. You can't go wrong.

Ridley Scott, thumbs up.

4 out of 5.