Video Reviews

Lake Placid

A sort of Ally McBeal meets Alligator. The only difference is that the giant creature is actually a crocodile and instead of the gaunt Calista Flockhart we get the equally lean Bridget Fonda. Aside from that, the same neurotic humor that drives David E. Kelley's hit TV show can be found throughout this movie (also produced and written by Kelley). The problem is that it doesn't really fit into the story, and the actors aren't capable of pulling it off (with the glorious exception of White). The story begins after a game warden in Maine has been gnawed to death by a mysterious creature. A plucky paleontologist (Fonda) is entranced by the huge molar left in the poor guy's body. Also interested are a local sheriff (Gleeson), a wealthy croc watcher (Platt), and a handsome game warden (Pullman). Everyone seems to be stumbling all over each other trying to find the giant reptile, and eventually, the trail leads to Dolores Bickerman (White), a foul-mouthed animal lover. With all the characters in place, awkward dialogue follows as well as the emergence of the monster. Effects are pretty good, and there is a degree of suspense. Aside from that, the film seems to be a comedy of errors, particularly on the part of the actors. None seems to comprehend how to play this flick. Straight? Campy? Funny? Only White (a real-life animal rights activist) seems at home in this mess. In fact, many of her profane lines are the film's highlights. Outside of the dramatic confusion, writer Kelley seems baffled as to what kind of message he's sending. Just check out the conclusion, which should appeal to both NRA and PETA supporters. Of course, there are several laughs to be had. All of which are unintentional and perhaps not worth some people's time.