MUSEUM of DITHERED POSTERS

11/24/2023: LAKE PLACID (1999)

Boy, this movie was just full of surprises.

First of all, I popped in this movie prepared for horror. I deadass had no idea it was a comedy. It also happens to be an excellent comedy.

Second, I knew that Bill Pullman shines in these kinds of dry, deadpan roles (?), but I had no idea Brendan Gleeson (who played Mad-Eye Moody) was so dang funny.

After 15 years of Marvel movies, this script is a bittersweet reminder that American writers used to have a handle on witty banter. The four main characters sincerely detest each other at the beginning of Act II and the way they show it is chef’s-kiss superb. Lake Placid also stands apart from other spoof movies (Scary Movie, Meet the Spartans, etc.) by actually being a decent action/horror flick. I was genuinely on the edge of my seat multiple times.

Honestly I don’t have much in the way of notes. Can you believe I ran out of hot air already? If you want to know whether I recommend it, the answer is yes, but do prepare yourself for gore - it’s still a creature feature about a giant crocodile.