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

Misleading advertisement: Actually an action-adventure thriller worth giving a shot

I thought that this movie was very well done, but like many other people have said the advertisements were extremely misleading. My mom and I are big fans of horror movies and went expecting to see a slasher film, but once the movie started we quickly realized that it was an action adventure thriller. However, despite the fact that the movie was not what we were expecting, we both ended up really enjoying it (probably because we are fans of both genres).

Now on to the movie: The script was extremely well written, managing to bring the broader issues of genocide and civil war to light while at the same time delivering plenty of action and scare sequences, as well as humor to lighten the mood between the thrill sequences.

In addition to the writing, the actors only further contribute to the high quality of the script by consistently hitting their marks and clearly conveying the intended humor, horror, or whatever else is called for during the different scenes.

I was also impressed by the directing and cinematography. The combination of the two resulted in creating a movie that manages to involve the audience and provide footage that matches whatever mood is needed at the time; whether it be awe at the beauty of Africa or the fear when the characters are facing a dangerous situation.

To be fair, I must admit that the movie did not have very good graphics and audiences will be able to easily tell that the crocodile is done through CGI. However, between a little imagination and the actors believable performances, this does not detract from the thrills of the movie.

Ultimately if you are a fan of action-adventure and enjoy a good thrill I would highly recommend this movie, but if you are looking for a slasher film don't bother.