Good, Gory, Goofy Fun

by Jason R. Hewlett

I was looking forward to seeing the new lake monster movie "Lake Placid." I have a soft spot for gory B-movies that are more about a good time than super high quality movie making. There's something fun about movies like that. Heck, I chose a movie about a giant crocodile over the new Kubrick flick! How about that!?!

I have to say that I quite enjoyed "Lake Placid" too. The premise is simple enough: an anthropologist, a game warden, a small town sheriff, and a croc expert are called into a remote lake after a giant crocodile surfaces and starts eating people. It's perfect B-movie fodder.

There's lots of gore and a few good moments of suspense along the way too. This credit has to go to director Steve Miner, who helmded last years horror hit "Halloween: H2O" plus a few of the "Friday the 13th." films in his early days. He's also made such films as "Forever Young" so he's quite capable at dealing with actors. This is handy because David E. Kelley's script calls for some decent moments of character which helps to raise the film above standard monster fair.

Also worth mentioning is the sense of humor. Kelley is best known for his T.V. programs like "Ally McBeal" and "Picket Fences," which are known for their quirky, offbeat senses of humor. Now, I don't like "Ally McBeal" or any of Kelley's other TV programs. Personally I'd rather watch paint dry than listen to McBeal whine for an hour. However, Kelley's staple neurotic characters and offbeat comedy works very well here. There are as many laughs as scares in "Lake Placid," probably even more, and the film is better for it.

Finally there's the cast. Miner has put together a fine group of actors here. Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Oliver Platt, and Brendan Gleeson all shine in their roles, fleshing out their character's idiosyncrasies nicely. One can't forget the true star of the movie either: the croc itself. Through Stan Winston's animatronics we actually get to see a 30 foot crocodile knock over boats and attack a helicopter. Very convincing.

If the film has a weakness it's the ending. The conclusion lacks the punch of the rest of the film...at least from a horror standpoint. There's a teaser to lead into a sequel which is well handled so it's not a total loss. Still, try a little harder next time, Mr. Kelley, if you please.

Overall, though, a good afternoon at the movies.

7.5 out of 10!