Recent Reviews
DVD Review: PRIMEVAL
By Dave Dreher

Jun 15, 2007, 20:42

The only thing better then a killer crocodile movie is a killer crocodile movie based on true events. PRIMEVAL leads us head first into the story of GUSTAVE a big ass croc that has terrorized the rivers of Burundi for years.

You all my remember this film as it caused a bit of a controversy when it came out in the theaters because it was marketed as being about a serial killer and tuned out to be about the atrocities occurring in a far away land and a giant crocodile. Some folks didn't take to kindly to that fact and as a result the film did very little box office.

Really is ashame because PRIMEVAL is actually a pretty tight thriller with more then a few good old horror shock moments.

Starring Orlando Bloom and Dominic Purcell ( the cool Dracula dude from Blade:Trinity and TV's Prision Break, you'll know him when you see him) we follow these two as they are hired by a company to follow along and record a young reporters journey to find and capture the elusive GUSTAVE after he attacks and kills another reporter. We quickly find ourselves in South Africa and are abruptly acquainted into the real life horrors that are occurring there. There are waring factions everywhere and gun volleys and life threatening situations seem to be around every bend. They thought catching the huge croc was going to be hard, hell just making it to where it supposedly is might turn out deadly. Along the way we are filled in on the history of the giant man eater

This film walks a thin line and at times becomes a bit preachy for the horror crowd. Some of the message that the film attempts to deliver is overtly political and is bound to bore the usual crowd that would check out a giant croc flick. If you manage to stay awake through all the political BS and get to the last third of the film, it pays off and well.

Better than average digital effects bring GUSTAVE to rip roaring life and it is a white knuckle ride once the big old croc gets pissed. Loved the GUSTAVE eats a car scene and overall I would have to give the project a “check it out” recommendation.

Like I stated, a bit preachy for my liking. More croc and less talk when have served this film well but overall the good moments save this one and make it a disc you might want to consider adding to your collection.

Bonus features are a bit sparse but are well done. The Making of PRIMEVAL feature is informative and entertaining and serve as a nice desert course to the film. A commentary track with the director and visual effects supervisor is also included.

PRIMEVAL is available now for purchase or rental. Go get it.