Primeval (2007)

Director:

Michael Katleman

Writers (WGA):

John D. Brancato (written by) &
Michael Ferris (written by)

Release Date:

12 January 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

The hunt begins soon

Plot:

A news team is sent to Burundi to capture and bring home a legendary 25-foot crocodile. Their difficult task turns potentially deadly when a warlord targets them for death. |

Plot Keywords:

Death | Crocodile | Burundi | Shot In The Back | Caged Human

Cast

Dominic Purcell	...	Tim Manfrey
Brooke Langton	...	Aviva Masters
Orlando Jones	...	Steven Johnson
Jürgen Prochnow	...	Jacob Krieg
Gideon Emery	...	Mathew Collins
Gabriel Malema	...	Jojo
Linda Mpondo	...	Gold Tooth
Lehlohonolo Makoko	...	Beanpole
Dumisani Mbebe	...	Harry
Eddy 'Big Eddy' Bekombo	...	Ato
Chris April	...	Captain
Ernest Ndhlovu	...	Shaman
Erica Wessels	...	Dr. Cathy Andrews
Vivian Moodley	...	Indian UN Officer
Lika Van Den Bergh	...	Rachel

Also Known As:

Gustave (USA) (working title)
Kiss (Philippines: English title) (review title)
Primeval Kill (UK) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong graphic violence, brutality, terror and language.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Swahili | Kirundi | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Canada:18A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba) | USA:R (certificate #43248) | Singapore:NC-16 | Singapore:PG (edited version) | Hong Kong:IIB | Malaysia:U | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Germany:18 | Italy:VM14 | Australia:MA | Argentina:16 | Portugal:M/16 | New Zealand:R16 | South Korea:18 | Netherlands:16

Filming Locations:

South Africa

Company:

Hollywood Pictures

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: During the chasing scene in the swamps you can hear squealing tires although there is only sand and grass.

Quotes:

Steven Johnson: Hey, Jojo, you know Roger Sharpe?
Jojo: No.
Steven Johnson: He's gay.
Jojo: OK.

Movie Connections:

References Jaws (1975)

Soundtrack:

Ni Wakati

Clearly wants to be more than a simple monster movie.

After hearing about a ferocious, enormous crocodile in Burundi, Africa, which has claimed hundreds of lives and has been dubbed "Gustave" by the locals, a small American news crew arrives, accompanied by a croc-loving bloke who wants to capture it alive, and a guide who wants it dead.

Interesting, misleading marketing campaign aside, "Primeval" is a fair enough movie of its kind. Technically well made, dazzlingly shot (making full use of the great scenery), and well paced, it manages to create some genuine tension and atmosphere. The croc itself is entirely a CGI product, and while some of its scenes are unconvincing, some work out a little better. At the least, the film-makers do their job of creating a constant sense of danger for our protagonists.

The croc doesn't play as big a part in this as one might think; this particular monster movie is often in the service of making a larger statement on the political turmoil and brutality of the region. This movie being inspired by real-life events, the croc here is the product of human error. The combination of a tried-and-true creature feature with a political thriller makes for an offbeat mix, to say the least.

The acting is none too special here. We've a standard-issue hunky, brooding hero (Dominic Purcell), a hottie colleague (Brooke Langton), and a comedy relief character (Orlando Jones) who has some good moments but also some decidedly anti-P.C. lines. Veteran Jurgen Prochnow is wasted in his role as the guide, with Gabriel Malema likable as Jojo.

The movie itself is not really bad, nor all that good either. We've seen movies like this before, and will undoubtedly continue to see them. It entertains well enough, but is pretty forgettable in the end.

6/10