Review of Rogue (2007) by Ross M — 27 Mar 2010

I didn't realize that giant crocodile films had their own sub-genre classification until I came upon Rogue. I knew of Lake Placid, and its sequel, but I'm guessing that it was the lack of imitators off the bat that allows Rogue to be a film within the sub-genre rather than a lame knock off trying to capitalize off another film's success.

Rogue tells the story of a group of tourists (my favorite) who go on a boat tour of an Australian river known for its (can you guess???) Crocodiles! Along for the ride is the sweet local guide Kate (Radha Mitchell, most recently in the Crazies), and Pete (Michael Vartan of Alias fame) a travel writer for a magazine in the states. I'd mention the other characters, but they might as well be labeled meals 1, 2, 3... Well, you get the point. The river cruise goes well until a flare is sighted over the river, the group decides to help whoever sent the distress beacon. What they find when they get there is a sunk vessel, and their rotten luck. The giant croc attacks the boat, leaving everyone stranded on an island that will shrink as the tide comes in, without any means of getting help.

I think that what works about the giant croc film genre, is that there is no way that it can take itself seriously. The chances of a croc getting big enough to eat a person in one bite are not the best, and no one can possible be as stupid as the people that run into these giant, hungry beats.

The crocodile actually looks pretty good too, which is important to suspend disbelief. The speed that they lend the beast at least didn't have me calling a foul on them. Although, I do have to state that crocs are able to move a little quicker on land than the film suggested.

As far as the acting, well Michael Vartan just scrunches his brows. It worked for five seasons on Alias, but it needs to be dropped NOW. Te plot is also pretty predictable, but is so well done that you hardly notice.

Overall, Rogue is a film that I can recommend for anyone that is a fan of giant crocodiles, or maybe a fun omage to monster movies.