Underwater Creature Features Part III: Alligators and Crocodiles

Alligator

This 1980 film directed by Lewis Teague (Stephen King adaptations Cujo and Cat's Eye) is the fun, and often silly, story of a giant killer alligator roaming the sewers of Chicago (yes, it's based on that urban legend). Cop David (the recently departed Robert Forster) and herpetologist, Marisa (Robin Riker) attempt to hunt down the creature as it wreaks havoc across the city, from a kid's birthday party to a fancy wedding. The alligator is, for the most part, impressive, and the kills are even occasionally disturbing. Plus, our incredibly likable leads have good chemistry. However, a warning for dog lovers: there is some doggie death in the beginning, although thankfully this part of the subplot is mostly dropped after the first ten minutes.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid serves up plenty of giant crocodile mayhem and gore, while also occasionally being possibly even sillier than Alligator two decades before. That being said, dismiss this as B-movie cheese at your own peril. It features great special effects, witty dialogue, and a stellar cast, including Brendan Gleeson, Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Oliver Platt, and, in a scene-steeling roll, Betty White! I have watched Lake Placid more times than I can count, and I never get bored with it.

Crawl

The most recent film on this list is also the most serious; Crawl is non-stop intense suspense and action that had me on the edge of my seat in the cinema. Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper star as a daughter and father attempting to escape the path of an oncoming hurricane, as well as some vicious alligators in the flood waters. Despite the occasionally frustratingly obtuse decisions of our two leads, Crawl is incredibly absorbing and features strong acting as well as excellent special effects and legitimately frightening alligators. Also, Special Bonus: the dog lives!

Check back for Part IV: Books soon!