Hannibal Lecter is back for the third time, or fourth if you've seen the previous adaptation of this same book in the form of Michael Mann's under appreciated Manhunter. The truth is, I haven't read the Thomas Harris novel, but I could spend hours comparing these two movies. Sadly, I don't quite have the space to do that, but there is a slightly more in depth review on Zboneman.com in which I attempt to break down the differences.

Lecter is more of a supporting character in this prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Red Dragon's focal point is Will Graham (Edward Norton), an FBI agent whose main claim to fame was catching the infamous Lecter. Graham is now involved in a horrific case that involves a twisted murderer (Ralph Fiennes) who corresponds with a locked up Hannibal. Graham's talents prove to be unmatched as he has an uncanny ability to piece together homicides and determine motivation by simply observing the sight of the murder.

Perhaps the most peculiar aspect of Red Dragon is director Brett Ratner. I never would have guessed that the maker of Family Man and the Rush Hour movies would be capable of this. But then, that's probably the whole point. Ratner isn't interested in being pigeon holed into a specific genre. While I wouldn't call Red Dragon as gripping as Silence of the Lambs or as gothic as Hannibal, it is involving and immensely entertaining..

I think much of what does work here should be credited to screenwriter Ted Tally (who also adapted Silence of the Lambs). The opening moments of Red Dragon (featuring Lecter's capture) are very effective, and his added final scene serves as an amusing link to Silence of the Lambs.

The performances in Red Dragon range from decent to impressive. Norton never quite finds his footing as Graham. Don't get me wrong, I think this guy is a fabulous actor, but I never really bought him in this role. Fiennes isfantastic as the antagonist, lending creepiness and genuine sensitivity to this disturbed individual. Emily Watson is also superb as a blind woman who finds herself drawn to Fiennes. Her blank stare is extremely effective, but it is her sense of vulnerability that makes the character really believable.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is a riot as a sleazy tabloid journalist. And of course we have the dependable Anthony Hopkins, once again slipping comfortably into Hannibal Lecter©ös shoes. While Lecter is a mere supporting player in Red Dragon, Hopkins' bigger than life portrayal of this hilarious and twisted character makes it appear that he has more screen time than he actually does.

Red Dragon isn't without it's horrific moments, but ultimately, it seems lighter in tone than Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. And while I didn't like it as much as the follow-up, it had more consistency than the sporadic Hannibal. I suspect that Red Dragon will be a huge hit and I'd be really surprised if this will be the last we see of Hannibal Lecter.