Review of Rogue (2007) by Gareth J — 14 Feb 2009

In his more higher production value follow-up to the grisly and often rudimentary Wolf Creek, Aussie director Greg McLean offers viewers a mixed bag reminiscent of a cross between Jaws and Crocodile Dundee.

With Rhada Mitchell and Sam Worthington leading the typical disaster movie ensable through the Northern Territory and into the path of the largely illusive killer croc whilst giving the director the unnecessary opportunity to show off copious amounts of documentary-style scenery.

The film's main problem comes from the fact that it wreaks too heavily of its genre elements and, like so many pieces of modern media, offers unequal weight to boring or otherwise one dimensional characters. A clear case in point is that of the film's protagonist Michael Vartan who's greenhorn journalist makes a typical transition from socialite to reluctant hero whilst all attempts to expand John Jarratt's grieving (and strangely knowledgable) widower are kept to a bare minimum. Mitchell tries her hardest to turn in a good performance as the country bred tour guide, but towards the end is once again relegated to the ranks of damsel in distress with the film climaxing in a situation similar to James Cameron's Aliens.

Rogue was a film with such potential. The HD footage of the rushes, the landscape and distinctly Australian nature of the narrative promised that perhaps this was finally the oppertunity Australian cinema had to come to the world stage and stand toe to toe with Hollywood and Hong Kong. However, a predictable story (I guessed most of it) and lack lustre casting make for nothing more than yet another genre indigenous genre film. If your a fan of Lake Placid and other films of its kind, Rogue will be a welcome edition, just don't expect any new or inspired ideas.