Nuclear Beast Sparks Hunting Expedition

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MOVIE REVIEW
Crocodile
–

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1979, 2024 Synapse Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Sompote Sands (and Won-se Lee)
Writer(s): Chali Iaimkrasin
Cast: Nat Puvanai, Tany Tim, Angela Wells, Kirk Warren
Where To Watch: available July 9, 2024; pre-order here www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Set against a backdrop of environmental chaos and lovingly revived by Synapse Films, the 1978 creature feature CROCODILE captures the timeless fear of nature's retaliation. This Taiwanese-Korean production, filmed initially under the title "Crocodile Fangs (Agowa gong)," follows a giant, mutated crocodile as it unleashes terror on an unsuspecting beach town, blending horror with ecological undertones.

As the narrative unfolds, the aftermath of a nuclear explosion sets the stage for this crocodile's monstrous transformation and subsequent rampage. The once peaceful seaside becomes a battleground for survival as Dr. Akom, Dr. Stromm, and the rugged fisherman Tanaka confront personal loss and fight to neutralize the threat. The storm that introduces the creature is hinted to be an offshoot of the nuclear event, adding a layer of impending doom that shadows the entire film.

In its ambitious attempt to echo the thrill of iconic monster movies, CROCODILE grapples with its limited resources and inexperienced cast, sometimes detracting from the immersive experience. The plot's continuity falters under the weight of erratic special effects that swing from effectively eerie to distractingly comedic. On the plus side, this restoration is stunning; all of the footage from the film is lovingly restored, and only the stock footage is left with some rough-aged looks.

Where the film truly excels is in its crafty use of dated but charming special effects and miniatures, creating a visual spectacle that harkens back to the golden era of creature features. The crocodile prop, especially the head, is remarkably detailed, though its full-body shots sometimes fall short, adding an element of camp to the horror. The beast's wildly fluctuating size only adds to the film's offbeat tone, enhancing its peculiar charm.

Oddities such as the crocodile's mysteriously glowing eyes and peculiar behaviors add to the film's allure. These suggest a more profound, possibly supernatural influence stemming from its radioactive origins. These elements inject a quirky twist to the storyline, appealing to those who revel in a mix of horror and whimsy.

Despite some less-than-stellar effects, the narrative crescendos in a climactic battle that delivers a satisfyingly dramatic conclusion. This finale wraps up a storyline that, while flawed, offers a compelling blend of suspense and oddball humor.

CROCODILE's restoration by Synapse Films brings this lesser-known title back into the limelight. Its enhanced visual clarity underscores the filmmakers' intentions, albeit accompanied by an audio track that reflects its age and budgetary limitations.

Ultimately, CROCODILE is a compelling entry in the eco-horror genre, demonstrating that even a film marred by technical imperfections can captivate and entertain. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of monster cinema and is recommended for anyone intrigued by the interplay of horror and environmental narrative.

Special Features:
Original theatrical trailer
Audio commentary with writer and film historian Lee Gambin
Video interview with original Crocodile Fangs director Won-se Lee
Deleted and alternate scenes

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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