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Horripilations Review of Lake Placid (1999)

Movie Review: Lake Placid (1999)

Synopsis

“Lake Placid,” directed by Steve Miner, is a creature-feature horror-comedy that emerged from the late nineties cinematic surge of natural horror films. Set against the backdrop of a serene, picturesque town in Maine, the film takes a sharp turn from tranquillity to terror when a series of bizarre events suggests that a gargantuan crocodile is lurking in the depths of the titular lake. The film opens with the discovery of a local diver’s body, swiftly sending shockwaves through the local community and setting the stage for a tense yet at times comical confrontation with nature’s most primal predator.

As the mysterious deaths continue, a team is assembled to investigate and confront the deadly creature. This group consists of Jack Wells (played by Bill Pullman), a game warden begrudgingly called to the scene; Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda), an expert wildlife biologist sent to provide support, and Sheriff Hank Keough (Kevin Bacon), who tries to manage the increasingly chaotic situation. Their investigation soon intertwines with the eccentric and gruff local resident, Delores Bickerman (Betty White), who harbours secrets of her own regarding the crocodile’s origins and the danger it poses to everyone nearby.

What follows is a blend of horror and comedy as the characters navigate their own interpersonal dramas while battling this formidable creature. The film balances moments of suspense with doses of humour, often provided by the witty banter between characters, especially between Pullman’s Jack and Fonda’s Kelly. The film clambers towards its climax as these characters learn to work together and confront their fears, culminating in a series of thrilling encounters that test their resolve, wit, and survival instincts.

Actors and Characters

  1. Bill Pullman as Jack Wells – A game warden who is trying to make sense of the bizarre happenings in the lake.
  2. Bridget Fonda as Kelly Scott – A wildlife biologist, strong-hearted and intelligent, who assists in the investigation.
  3. Oliver Platt as Hector Cyr – A brash billionaire and crocodile expert, whose larger-than-life personality adds comic relief.
  4. Betty White as Delores Bickerman – The quirky local woman with ties to the lake’s secrets, whose love for the crocodile becomes crucial to the story.
  5. Kevin Bacon as Sheriff Hank Keough – The befuddled local sheriff trying to maintain order while dealing with the terrifying implications of the creature in the lake.
  6. Brendan Gleeson as Deputy Sheriff – An often-overlooked but dedicated character, adding layers to the law enforcement’s response to the crisis.
  7. Hydra (as the Crocodile) – While not a traditional "actor," the crocodile itself serves as a significant character, embodying the terror that haunts the townsfolk.

Review

“Lake Placid’s” appeal lies not just in its premise—a monstrous predator lurking in the water—but also in how it explores the dynamics of the characters involved in this harrowing ordeal. It is a film that knows it is absurd yet embraces that absurdity, leading to moments where tension is punctuated with humour, a fine balance that many of its contemporaries struggled to achieve.

The film features commendable performances, particularly from Bill Pullman and Bridget Fonda, who develop a chemistry that lends credibility to their characters’ personal growth throughout the film. Pullman masterfully embodies the everyman type, apprehensive yet determined, while Fonda’s Kelly provides an effective counterpoint, exuding confidence and scientific curiosity. The banter between them becomes a highlight, encapsulating moments that are both endearing and integral to the narrative.

Oliver Platt stands out as Hector Cyr, injecting a much-needed dose of eccentric exuberance that flavours the scenes he inhabits. His character revels in the theatrics of the situation, transforming tension into levity. Platt’s performance captures the essence of a comedic yet grounded sidekick who is not afraid to face danger—even while making jokes at inopportune times.

Equally unforgettable is Betty White’s portrayal of Delores Bickerman. With her classic charm, she crafts a character whose bizarre penchant for the lake’s resident crocodile becomes an unexpected focal point for both humour and horror. Her performance blurs the lines between comic relief and unsettling truths, allowing for some genuinely surprising moments as the narrative unfolds.

One cannot overlook the spectacular vistas of the lake itself, juxtaposing sereneness with the lurking terror beneath. The cinematography reflects this duality, presenting the lake as initially serene and inviting—an idealised version of a summer retreat—only for it to become a claustrophobic arena for survival as the stakes rise. The visual effects, while not groundbreaking, effectively convey the scale of danger posed by the massive crocodile. Although the creature’s appearance at times reveals its age, it successfully evokes the dread associated with the unknown lurking beneath the surface.

Moreover, the screenplay takes care to develop a storyline that allows the audience to invest emotionally in the characters. This investment is crucial when navigating the whims of horror and comedy; viewers are more willing to laugh at the absurdity when they genuinely care about the outcomes of these characters. The pacing of the narrative, coupled with its oscillation between lighter moments and tense scenes, ensures that the tension does not become monotonous, keeping viewers engaged throughout.

However, despite its strengths, the film does have some weaknesses. At times, the dialogue can feel clunky and the character arcs somewhat predictable, involving typical tropes found in creature features. Some viewers might find the tonal shifts jarring, as the film transitions from horror to comedy and back again. There are moments where the tension could have been heightened, potentially leaving a more profound impact on the audience. Additionally, some of the secondary characters may come across as underdeveloped, serving more as narrative devices than as fully realised individuals.

Nonetheless, “Lake Placid” triumphs in achieving its primary objective: to entertain. The film resonates as both an amusing ride and a satisfying horror experience, and while it may not redefine the genre, it successfully holds its place as a cult classic.

In conclusion, “Lake Placid” is a charmingly chaotic blend of terror and comedy that has gained a following over the years for its distinctive approach to the creature feature format. It successfully balances the menace of its monstrous crocodile with character-driven interactions that invite the audience into the absurdity of the situation. While it is not without its flaws, the film’s engaging performances, particularly from Pullman, Fonda, and the inimitable White, make it a memorable experience. As we watch the characters grapple with the inherent dangers of nature, the film ultimately serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the wilderness—and the levity that can arise even in the most perilous situations.

Score: 7.5/10

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