Director: Don Michael Paul
Year: 2012
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Creature Feature
Plot:
Having discovered the existence of the crocodiles living in the local lake, a former hunter joins forces with the town's sheriff to keep the crocodiles at bay when both a relentless poacher and a group of teens descend on their nesting grounds.
Review:
This one was a really great entry that manages to get a lot right about it and doesn't have a whole lot of flaws. In fact, it's only got the true flaw of these Sci-Fi Channel entries in the atrocious and truly terrible CGI used for the crocodiles, which doesn't even come close to the real thing and used for scenes that really shouldn't have needed them. The shots of the crocs on land are certainly obviously done here and require it done, but the simple shots of it just floating on the lake surface really could've been done through other means than horribly pixelated CGI that looks horribly bad like the rest of the CGI here.
Beyond this, though, there's a lot to like here including the fact that this one manages to feel as though it's a true continuation of the series, not only spouting off events that previously happened in the series but also continuing off on threads introduced there and presenting itself as a true follower of the previous entries, which is rarely seen. The big profession chance is a decent enough one, but to acknowledge previous entries in story-line terms and the need to have the fence built all make for a rather easy connection to the others. As well, this one has some outstanding action scenes throughout here featuring the hunters stalking the crocs both in the water or on land in the first half. As well, there's even more fun to be had throughout the film as the creatures chasing after the stranded teens in several really fun sequences starting with the early scenes taking them out stealthily before getting to the main ambush scene. Starting with the attack on the speed-boat to the croc storming through the campsite attacking everyone leading to some really bloody attacks as the chases provides some really exciting action attempting to get to safety which makes this highly fun and enjoyable as a centerpiece sequence.
Frankly, the cast here is decent at what's given. Elisabeth Röhm is pretty much a fine one-note performance as Sheriff Glove, the new officer in the area. The struggle between being a single mother and the tough leader to a community rampant with killer crocodiles is a nice way to add some depth to her, and she's a sensible enough to listen to reason while also being capable of the action, making for a likable lead. Poppy Lee Friar as her daughter Chloe is a somewhat disappointing rebellious teenager who gets herself in trouble simply for plot reasons might grate because of that, but she's still an overall nice enough person to make her watchable. Nancy Butler returns as Reba, now the deputy using her skills on the right side of the law now and she's softened a bit from the previous film while still keeping her salty demeanor so it's nice to see her come back which is a plus for this. Not to mention, Robert Englund has a small role ad a ruthless hunter that tries to lead a group of poachers into the danger zone and it's a role anyone can have so to see him fill it is a nice sight regardless of how lame the character is.
Other fun scenes include the confrontation in the abandoned camp where they get caught up in the traps set for the creatures as well as the creatures appearing in the pit trap set-up there that make for a fun time, while the encounter in the house is a lot of fun with the big surprise ambush from the kitchen leading into the battle to get away and eventual escape. With that leading directly into the finale where they battle the creatures out in the lake as they come out to save them in the last big rescue attempt while finally showcasing the other attack in the kids resulting in a rather fun showdown gunfight that finally puts them down. In addition, there's plenty of croc action which allows for some nice bits of gore and a couple nice stalking scenes throughout, which is always a lot of fun to have here and makes this one quite enjoyable. Plus, along with a frenetic pace and a ton of cheese, these here provide the last positive points for this one, perhaps making this the best entry in the series.
Overview: **** 1/2/5
One of the more solidly enjoyable entries in this series, this one ranges quite highly overall with plenty to like and only a few minor elements that makes for a winning, worthy entry. Give this one a chance if you're into the series at this point or if you're just plain into these kinds of cheesy genre fare, while those that have been burnt in the past should give this a chance at the slightest.
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