Rogue

(2007)***1/2

Weary travel writer Peter decides to take a tour through crocodile infested waters in the Northern Territory. Tour guide Kate, along with several other customers, are also along for the ride. At the beginning of the tour Kate explains the history of crocodiles in the area and she establishes some facts, which are just as much for the viewing audience as it is for the tour patrons (e.g., crocodiles never attack anything bigger than themselves, etc). The tour consists of the usual personalities that will obviously clash when things start going wrong (e.g., the woman suffering from anxiety, the know-it-all, etc). As the tour boat begins its journey home after a successful day of sightseeing, one of the patrons spies an SOS flare far beyond the tour’s normal route. After some discussion it is decided that the tour will go through uncharted waters in an effort to save potential victims. After traveling through some sacred Indian waters, the gang finds evidence of victims, but no victims. No sooner are they in discussion about how to proceed when a 40-foot crocodile rocks the boat knocking everyone into the water. Most quickly swim to a nearby sand dune, others are not as lucky. With night falling shortly and the rising tide of the river time is limited. Nearby land can be seen but to get to it requires a swim and certain death.

Now this is what I’m talking about! Greg Mclean’s follow-up to the excellent Wolf Creek is this awesome killer crocodile movie. After the painful experience of Lake Placid 2 I was a bit apprehensive about taking on another killer croc movie this year. My fears were quickly assuaged, however, because Rogue is a killer croc movie done right, perhaps the definitive killer croc movie for years to come! With an obvious large budget, the CG crocodile is terrific and completely convincing (surely some prop crocs were used as well?). The tension mounts as night falls and the group is sequestered on a small sand dune. As opinions differ on what to do people begin to die, I love these predicament flicks! For those into killer animal movies, be sure to catch this one.