Crocodile Dundee-Fun But Consideration for An Academy Award?
Obviously, this is a silly, fluffy little film, and I do mean little, some budget estimates are as low as five million USD, but the budget is generally believed to be closer to ten million. In all fairness, Crocodile Dundee does a good job with its budget and stands as one of history's great grossers, bringing in over $300 million dollars. That is profitability in spades.
The film's success can be traced to a variety of factors. First, Paul Hogan is Mr. Charisma in the film and really keeps the audiences attention via stage presence. Secondly, the film is a decent enough twist on the entire “fish out of water story” as we follow Crocodile Dundee from Australia to New York where he is bewildered by life in the Big Apple. Third, for the most part, it is a fun, family friendly film as Crocodile Dundee almost comes across like some sort of living cartoon. Fourth, and most annoyingly, is the seemingly mandatory love story with American reporter Sue Charlton, played by Linda Kozlowski, who has essentially vanished off the face of the earth since the Crocodile Dundee movies. Yet, this standard issue romance as a plot point certainly sold tickets. The fifth reason for the films success was that it was wisely marketed as something of a slice of Australia being served up to America. It was an oddity to see an Australian film getting a wide release in America and receiving heavy promotion. This made Crocodile Dundee feel like something of a event.
Paul Hogan who also co-wrote the script obvious deserves a great deal of credit for the films success and Crocodile Dundee did receive a nomination for an Academy Award for best original screenplay. This has always seemed like a bit of a stretch as Crocodile Dundee is a fun film but while a very entertaining screenplay it is not THAT good. Oh, and if you didn't already know or hadn't figured it out, he's called Crocodile because he hunts Crocodiles.
Story B (Fun twist on the fish out of water movie that has been done to death.)
Acting B
Visuals B
Originality/Innovation B+
Enjoyability Grade B
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Overall Grade B (A fun little movie, that will not change your life unless you are Paul Hogan.)
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