This giant croc run amok flick was delayed for a year and re-titled as Primeval Kill here in the UK after it flopped in America, but there was really no need as it’s a very enjoyable film…it’s just not a horror movie.
The film opens with the death of a prominent scientist which leads to a journalist, his cameraman and a couple of animal experts heading to Africa to track the beast. Once there they discover the legendary story of Gustave the man eating crocodile. Their task is made that much harder however when a prominent drug lord targets the team, after he finds out that the news crew have captured him murdering a local family on camera.
The film has a good cast, good effects work, great locations, gorgeous photography and a wonderful score courtesy of John Frizzell. It also showcases some genuine scares and jump shocks. The only reason this movie has not been well received in my opinion is due to false advertising, as it is more of an action adventure movie than a horror film.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Primeval is a well-made film with an interesting story, it’s just a shame that it was pitched to us as a horror film and rushed into theatres fearing competition from Rogue (which we still haven’t seen). Fans of Anaconda and Lake Placid (if there are any?) will no doubt enjoy this.
