wdm0744 does a quick review of "Rogue"

[wdm0744]

I could have also entitled my post:

"Rogue" - See this movie

"Rogue" is a small, low budget Australian horror (or more correctly, monster) film that saw only a limited release in the US, but I was able to get it easily at Blockbuster.

Initially, I was reluctant to rent this film. It's written and directed by Greg Mclean, the same guy that did "Wolf Creek". I haven't seen "Wolf Creek" and I don't want to.

I like horror - but I'm not into torture porn. It isn't scary, it's just gross.

But, in doing some research, I discovered that Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black, Silent Hill) was in it. Seeing as I've developed a bit of a crush for her, the film gained a bunch of good will.

I also found that "Rogue" had received overwhelmingly positive reviews and that many critics greatly appreciated the film's restraint.

I gave it a shot and I was very pleasantly surprised. My wife even liked it, and she hates horror. Of course, I think it helped that it starred Michael Vartan (Alias, Never Been Kissed).

She has her crush and I have mine.

The story is effectively simple: A tour group gets stranded deep in the Australian outback and the terrified band is stalked by a very territorial, and very large crocodile.

The crew shot on location in the Northern Territory and the cinematography is stunning. There's a attention to the details of nature that grounds the film in reality. If nothing else, this is a gorgeous movie.

The film's brief running time is packed with deftly tweaked tension. The characters are all very realistic and acting is superb across the board. Everyone in the movie reacts as you would expect real people in a situation like this to react.

Thankfully, Mclean definitely went with a "less is more" approach. The croc is rarely shown (which is good, because once he is, the CGI effects are underwhelming) and the filmmakers let suspense and terror drive the film rather than bathing the screen in blood and gore. Such restraint is surprising given Mclean previous work, but it truly serves to make this a smarter and more effective film than it could have been.

I also really appreciated the kindness, heroism, and selflessness on display in "Rogue". I know it sounds silly, and perhaps a bit naive, but I found this to be a horror movie with heart (and not in a gore kind of way).

Bottom line:

It's still a killer croc movie, but it's the best killer croc movie you'll ever see. Compared to "Lake Placid" this is "Citizen Kane".

"Rogue" is an effective and impressive thriller. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

[BlackCatWhiteCat]

Hey glad to see 'ya back! Nice review, as always. I'm sticking this in my Netflix queue immediately.

[wdm0744]

Thanks, Heather. I didn't have a lot of time to put into a full review (work's been busy and my writing energies have been expended elsewhere), but I wanted to sing this movie's praises from the rooftops.

I actually dragged my mom into seeing it last night. She watched it while facing the wall and with her fingers in front of her eyes, but I think she liked it.

I absolutely loved it. I hope you will too.

[dex]

Apr 10, 2009 16:38:10 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

She has her crush and I have mine.

I get what you mean, but that reminds me of that old make-out dialog: "I wish we were married!" – "But we are! Oh, you mean to each other?"

Anyway, sounds convincing. Thanks for the tip!