LAKE PLACID
A 20th Century Fox release

review by Joe Mauceri

Well written and witty characters face down a monstrous crocodile that has migrated to a lake in Maine. The dialogue flies fast and furious, there are a couple of genuinely funny site gags and eye- popping crocodile effects. The first horrifying murder in the lake unites a sheriff, game warden, anthropologist and mythologist who attempt to capture this natural oddity. The screenplay is by David E. Kelly, the writer of such memorable television shows as "Picket Fences," "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal." He brings his unique brand of dialogue and character development to the project, and pulls it together in about 90 minutes. At the helm is Steve Miner. A versatile and talented filmmaker, Miner worked on the first three "Friday the 13th" films, "House," and the recent successful thriller "Halloween: H2O." The director's television credits include multiple episodes of "Dawson's Creek," "The Practice," the pilot for "The Wonder Years" and the pilot for the upcoming Kevin Williamson's new ABC series "Wasteland." The talent and personality of these two filmmakers set the tone and mood for LAKE PLACID. The plot almost seems like a joke - there was a priest, a minister and a rabbi in a boat. However, the monster and special effects are serious. The pacing is brisk, and the banter crisp. The film does come to an abrupt end, and feels like it is missing a third act. However, the third act could easily take the form of a sequel. The comedy flows naturally from the character interaction. The crocodile is never the source of comedy, which is refreshing. It harkens back to the days of the "Abbott and Costello" films where they allowed the monsters to be monsters, and not straight men. However, Betty White kind of steals the show as she plays mother to the beast. Platt is also quite memorable as a spoiled rich kid who revers the crocodiles as gods. Many special effects films released of late have all the effects shown in broad daylight, spoiling much of the suspense and tension created by the cover of darkness. The climax takes place at night, creating lots of thrills and chills. They also give Winston plenty of opportunity to show his wears in broad daylight. There is an amazing scene between the crocodile and a Grizzly bear. LAKE PLACID is an exceptional "B" movie/creature feature. The film features some great acting and exceptional effects. Minor provides several Spielberg moments, delivering thrills, chills and laughs. LAKE PLACID is the type of film that made a night at the drive-in magical. Unfortunately, I am not quite sure it merits $9.50 ticket price.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
www.foxmovies.com/lakeplacid

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