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Surfers John and Jeremy, an underwater photographer and their director arrive in a town with
perfect offshore breaks for good surfing. They befriend a retired captain whose mysterious reticence and presence on the island baffle them. Their initial round of surfing and
underwater film shooting bring them to an offshore island where they are caught in a whirlpool of shattering events: their native guide Nemia suddenly disappears, their
outrigger mysteriously sinks, and a rampaging crocodile attacks them relentlessly, almost killing them. Although the captain saves them, he insists on remaining in the
vicinity where the crocodile lurks. The group is stunned to learn of his obsession to kill the savage creature responsible for his entire crew's death. Terror grips the group
because they have to cooperate with the captain's plan in order to survive.
Crocodile 2, an
edge-of-the-seat story filled with suspense and horror utilizes animatronic effects, fast-paced editing and good visual effects that present a spectacle of blood,
terror-stricken faces, the stark darkness of the jungle and the awesome vastness of the ocean. The film succeeds in sending chills down the viewers' spine watching specially,
the rampages of the crocodile. But scenes with calming effects are also included for the benefit of the tense viewers: the beautiful denizens in the depth of the sea, the bold
and beautiful waves that roll in and curl nicely over the daring surfer, the lush greenery surrounding the islands, and the crystal-clear waters of the river.
Viewers, especially the young, could be negatively affected by this film. First, the attention
created by the rampaging crocodile might make them fail to develop awareness and appreciation of the environment and dampen their opportunity to explore because of the fear of
wild animals that will accompany them. Second, the daring-at-heart who nurtures a super-hero image might challenge the untamed creatures and fail to understand that there are
things over which we have no control. Parents should teach the young that there should be a responsible and harmonious co-existence between man and nature and that God gave to
his children the stewardship of his whole creation.
(Date reviewed: September 7, 2001)
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