Writer: Lai Swee Wei

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Lake Placid”, “Rogue”, “Primeval”

Three cheeky monkeys sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr Crocodile: "You can't catch me."
Along came Mr Crocodile, quiet as can be
SNAP. SNAP. SNAP.

All the above were true, except that they weren't cheeky monkeys and they definitely weren't trying to be smart by teasing the crocodile lurking below them. This children's song was monotonously sang by one of the characters in the movie - what a thing to sing when you're stuck in a tree in fear! In terms of script quality, it's not too bad as it injects that needed bit of humour into the dullness of being stranded within the mangrove swamp.

The Bahasa Malaysia subtitles in this movie is alright except for the very beginning - "Buaya Hitam". As I recall, I wouldn't really describe the croc as actually black, but let's not take things too literally shall we? As compared to the recent croc film "Rogue", surprisingly I found this film slightly better even though it involves fewer actors, with only three main characters in focus. Reason could be because it has a more realistic feel. The platform idea was on the true story of two teenagers who were stranded up a tree in a flooded river, whilst below them the crocodile that had just killed their friend lay waiting.

The audience is exposed to a thing or two about the saltwater crocodiles (also known as "salties" in Australia). One must always know about your enemies beforehand, very educational. Thankfully, the directors didn't decide to make this "saltie" retardedly humongous. It looked very realistic with a maliciously intelligent mind of its own. It knows how to psycho it's victims by rising from the surface of the water to reveal itself and its dangerous glare, and of course many other actions in which I shall not reveal. I must say, this croc is very cheeky!

The pitch-black night scenes were creatively thought out, with the weather being slightly thunderous so that with every flash of lightning, you may see the characters. What I found very frustrating was the purpose of the death roll, which was deemed the most powerful killing mechanism on earth. However, at some point, it didn't seem powerful enough to really kill. What a killjoy.

Overall, it's not a bad watch if you're into these shows where the killer animal takes the stage. However, be warned as in the end, you might actually develop a soft spot for this killer.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008