Every preconceived notion audiences might
have about "Anaconda" is correct. This
supposed serpentine shocker features
doomed adventurers wading through murky
water while a deadly snake approaches and
"Jaws"-like music throbs. The plot retraces a
formula employed by countless predecessors
to kill off its supporting characters in a
predictable sequence. And there's the bad guy
with the foreign accent, and the requisite
romance between handsome anthropologist
and shapely journalist. It's all here, as is an
ironic comfort in watching such a well-worn
tale from the dark side.
Dr. Steven Cale (Eric Stoltz) is heading down the Amazon in search of an undocumented Indian tribe. Joining him is Terri Flores ("Selena's" Jennifer Lopez), a filmmaker charged with recording Dr. Cale's quest. Ten minutes into their voyage, snaky Paul Sarone (Jon Voight) jumps aboard and commandeers the boat to begin a Captain Ahab-style hunt for his gigantic underwater nemesis: the titular anaconda upon whose nonexistent shoulders this movie rests. Despite satisfactory performances from the cast, the film's human characters remain secondary to this nasty snake and the special effects that created it.
Scary, this movie isn't. The faux serpent, albeit an impressive creature, looks wholly unrealistic as it zips through water and air like a Saturday morning cartoon character. And such schlocky touches as the anaconda's penchant for regurgitation are more gross (and funny) than frightening. What chills there are spring more from standard stalk-and-startle techniques than from the creepy characteristics associated with snakes. Director Luis Llosa ("The Specialist") shot "Anaconda" in Brazil, and the tropical setting imbues his movie with much-needed authenticity and cinematic richness. Llosa advances the story at an absorbing clip that never bores the audience, and he wisely eschews any high-minded discourse about good and evil. As cheesy, predictable horror flicks go, "Anaconda" squeezes considerable life from its limited aspirations. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight and Eric Stoltz. Directed by Luis Llosa. Written by Hans Bauer and Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. Produced by Verna Harrah, Leonard Rabinowitz and Carole Little. A Columbia release. Adventure/horror. Rated PG-13 for intense adventure violence, and for brief language and sensuality. Running time: 90 min
Dr. Steven Cale (Eric Stoltz) is heading down the Amazon in search of an undocumented Indian tribe. Joining him is Terri Flores ("Selena's" Jennifer Lopez), a filmmaker charged with recording Dr. Cale's quest. Ten minutes into their voyage, snaky Paul Sarone (Jon Voight) jumps aboard and commandeers the boat to begin a Captain Ahab-style hunt for his gigantic underwater nemesis: the titular anaconda upon whose nonexistent shoulders this movie rests. Despite satisfactory performances from the cast, the film's human characters remain secondary to this nasty snake and the special effects that created it.
Scary, this movie isn't. The faux serpent, albeit an impressive creature, looks wholly unrealistic as it zips through water and air like a Saturday morning cartoon character. And such schlocky touches as the anaconda's penchant for regurgitation are more gross (and funny) than frightening. What chills there are spring more from standard stalk-and-startle techniques than from the creepy characteristics associated with snakes. Director Luis Llosa ("The Specialist") shot "Anaconda" in Brazil, and the tropical setting imbues his movie with much-needed authenticity and cinematic richness. Llosa advances the story at an absorbing clip that never bores the audience, and he wisely eschews any high-minded discourse about good and evil. As cheesy, predictable horror flicks go, "Anaconda" squeezes considerable life from its limited aspirations. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight and Eric Stoltz. Directed by Luis Llosa. Written by Hans Bauer and Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. Produced by Verna Harrah, Leonard Rabinowitz and Carole Little. A Columbia release. Adventure/horror. Rated PG-13 for intense adventure violence, and for brief language and sensuality. Running time: 90 min
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