“They’ll eat anything, right? Ay?”

Story: So. Australia has saltwater crocodiles, right? And sometimes folks want to see them up close, while traveling waterways that have crocs. Smart move? Yeah, not for a group of tourists who want to snap some pics and have bragging cred. Because they’re gonna get a whole lot more than they bargained for when their boat is attacked by a big’un, and they’re stranded on an tiny island…and is the water rising? Yes. Yes it is.

Scares: Extremely effective “where’s that croc now” energy.
Splat Factor: Welcome to the croc-eats-your-face party.

Subgenre: Now THAT’S A Big Bugger Monster Mashes
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original, though you’ll notice several Big Animal Horror subgenre tropes. Based (loosely, obviously) on the story of Sweetheart.
Year Released: 2007

Trick or Treat?: Here’s one that was recommended to me. And gotta say this is an effective monster-animal mash. Writer/director/producer Greg McLean (Wolf Creek) takes this premise and absolutely runs with it. Shot composition, film and sound editing, and a light (til the climax at least) but effective touch with the splatter, equals a whole lot of horrific fun. 

This story amps up the action by having the characters stranded on an island that’s only above water during low tide, and that adds more stakes to this animal horror. We get to watch as the tide is rolling in, slowly submerging their hard-won safety. The way Rogue frequently cuts to the water rising, and how places the characters had been are now submerged? I think I may have gasped as their campfire slowly fizzled out. That the characters have various levels of survival instinct – and levels of freak-out – feels genuine here. Intelligent decisions are made, considered, yelled over, and sometimes completely botched, all due to the interpersonal dynamics of Our Gang. I was completely invested, thanks to the whipsmart editing that amped up the tension and suspense.

Plus, this film is packed with performers you’ve seen before: a tween Mia Wasikowska, a pre-Avatar Sam Worthington, an against Wolf Creek-type John Jarratt, Silent Hill‘s Radha Mitchell, and Alias‘ Michael Vartan as Pete, the star of the show. Bonus? There’s Kevin, an adorable Australian Shepherd, but don’t get attached to the good boi. (The pup is played by Patch the “Wonder” Dog, which is an awesome name.) The cast is basically an ensemble, with Mitchell’s Kate and Vartan’s Pete becoming the leads through…one way or another. McLean brings out the best in his cast, and uses his budget to its advantage. This film looks amazing, and using locations in Northern Australia as amazing set pieces for the cast to really dig into. Cinematography is crisp, and everything is crystal clear for your viewing pleasure, even the gore.

The climax is a mix of quiet tension and croc mayhem, and while it’s not exactly realistic? I enjoyed the hell out of it anyway. (Kids, don’t try this when you’re trapped by a huge man-eating croc. It might not pan out in quite the same way.) This is a great movie to throw on when you’ve got folks who may not enjoy horror, but love a good action flick. Rogue blends those genres into something that may not be fun for all ages, but is definitely a good time for genre lovers.

Score: 4.5 out of 5 pumpkins.