Customer Reviews

Komodo [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have to admit that I'm a bit of a sucker for a good monster movie, and when I heard about KOMDODO (awesome creatures who have amazed me ever since I saw one eat a cow whole on a documentary programme!) I couldn't wait to see it.

Having enjoyed ANACONDA I was expecting more of the same from KOMODO and more or less that's what you get. For a low budget flick it's cast more than come up to scratch, with some nicely judgd performances all round, and the script is competent enough for the movie to flow without hardly any cringe worthy dialogue sequences to speak of. The young teenager who revisits the island where his parents were brutally attacked and killed the beasts of the story, particularly impresses, especially as there's a neat twist near the end where his character seems to undergo an unexpected but effective transformation.

The direction is also top notch, with a nicely judged sense of pacing, boasting some brilliantly executed scare moments (along with fingernail chewing scenes of creepy moments before the attacks), and the special effects guys and gals deserve a huge pat on the back for producing some quite awesome looking Komodos. What's more, unlike ANACONDA (where the big snake moved too unrealistically during some CGI scenes), the Komodo's actions do hold a close match to their behaviour in the wild. The blending of animatronics and CGI is also impressive, so much so that you begin to even forget which is which.

It's a shame then, that just when the movie seems to be building towards a classic monster finale, it falls short and wraps up far too abruptly. It really does feel that the company ran out of money and that the director had to come up with a ham fisted end scene because he had no other choice. The last scene after the Komodo mayhem is particularly poor, and it does harm the film's lasting impression upon you.

Still, there's some great work beforehand, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this to any monster movie fan, or to anyone who doesn't mind a bit of fantasy entertainment.

The DVD itself boasts an impressive anamorphic widscreen print and the use of sound will have you jumping out of your seat (there's a choice of Dolby Suround 2.0 or Dolby Digital 5.1). There's also an audio commentary from the director (but not from the actors as stated on some sites), trailers, a fascinating real life facts of the Komodo text file, and two featurette making ofs (although with my copy these could not always be accessed successfully).

Highly recommended then, even if the ending falls short.

I enjoyed Komodo, but these sort of movies appeal to me. It is a fun movie that is not meant to be taken too seriously. The special effects were top notch, and their were a few moments that made you want to jump out of your seat. The acting was adequate enough for a B-Movie.

Bottomline, Pop some popcorn, and sit back and watch this Fun little monster movie. If you enjoy movies such as Anaconda, Jurassic Park, Aliens, Deep Rising or Deep Blue Sea, you will probably enjoy this too.

"Komodo" is an enjoyably silly, occasionally creepy thriller. The premise of a bunch of Komodo dragons (the world's largest lizards, and very nasty beasties in real life) living on an island off South Carolina is preposterous, and the script and acting never rise above the standard for this kind of thing, but the lizards are impressive and worth checking out for fans of movie monsters. It's basically an old-fashioned "giant animal" b-movie (a la "Them" or "Black Scorpion") with slightly more believable monsters, some nice effects work and a splash of gore here and there. Not a great movie by any means, but then it doesn't try to be. Have a few beers, chuckle along with the stiff dialogue, enjoy a scare or two, and cheer on the dragons! (For anyone interested in a fascinating take on the real Komodo dragons that manages to be both scary and quite funny, I heartily recommend the book "Last Chance to See" by Douglas Adams.)

I saw Komodo at the Toronto film festival and have been keen on seeing it again. Now with the DVD I will get my wish. This is a scary, fun film with awesome special effects. Pop some corn, sit back and enjoy the ride. Definately worth the viewing.

This movie was recently shown on UK television and the main U K programme guide "Radio Times" was distinctly unflattering about its merits .Now , I am not about to pretend we are dealing with a work of cinematic genius -or even one having exceptional merit within its own specialised field -but Komodo is altogether better than the reviewer was suggesting ,being a lively and diverting traditional eco horror picture with decent effects and some strong performances.
Set in North Carolina -although filmed in Queensland ,Australia -this deals with a group of people being menaced by Komodo dragons who are running riot on an offshore island having been dumped there some years previously .A teenage boy ,Patrick ,witnessed the dragons slay and devour his parents and his therapist ,who is unaware of the story somewhat unwisely decides he should be returned to the island to try and confront his phobias .While there the dragons attack and the pair are forced to battle for their lives ;meanwhile an oil company working on the island has engaged hunters to slay the dragons and any humans who might expose the problem and embarrass the company

Lots of action and some scenes are reminiscent of Alien as the therapist heroine stalks the corridors of a power station seeking the beasts .There are signs in its hasty and unsatisfying ending that perhaps money and /or inspiration ran out ,while the hint that Patrick in his thirst for revenge on the dragons is reverting to man's more primitive and bestial instincts -at least the beasts have the excuse of hunger for their actions while he is driven by revenge-is not developed.
All in all a solid piece of monster movie making on a low budget that goes well with a takeaway and a cold one

"Komodo" is (obviously) a movie about a bunch of komodos running around on an island. The beginning of the story is very interesting. It sort of explains how the komodos actually got to the island. It's quite logical....but a bit unbelievable at some times. Well, dumping komodo eggs might be a good reason for them to begin existing there. But, how are the komodo fledglings supposed to survive, especially on an island that isn't compatible to them? Well, I'm sure there's a good reason.

Well, the storyline is interesting and can make you forget what's going on around you. Although, the idea of "traumatized" might have been overlooked. Patrick Conally (Kevin Zegers), apparently, lost his family to the komodos and is supposed to be "traumatized". Of course he looked traumatized in the photo at the police department, but he seems to be brave and healthy enough to run around freely at the island where his family was killed. Besides, he survived the island(the second time he arrived there) without any weapons and the others have a lot of trouble even with huge guns!

Plus! The ending seems to be a bit.....abrupt They got off the island on a helicopter, got back at the harbour, sits down on a pavement and that's it! Although I think the idea was to show that Patrick's gotten better:
Police : you guys okay?
Patrick : ...Never better...

Well, even though I made more comments about this movie than compliments, I still say that this movie is absolutely great! I don't know why....Well, for those who already watched this movie, think the flaws over a few dozen times and it'll make sense.....eventually.....

Finally, a scary animal flick that actually makes sense. I mean, look at Anaconda; first of all, snakes 30 feet long don't hop through the air, or even HOWL for crying out loud. Perfect and simple plot: True, real life carnivores who are just hungry, and a little mutated. It's just nature. haha However, a good flick who's previews made me jump. Look for Komodo REAL soon for rent.

Komodo was an action filled movie but yet it lacked the grip on reality. The stars shined bright in this science fiction thriller. I would suggest this movie to a few people but not very many. This film would build you up and then drop you just as quickly. With all of the action and suspence,this film is a sure fire winner.

Caught Komodo a few nights ago on USA and was pleasantly surprised at how good the movie was. Nineteen years after a oil company discarded a bunch of komodo eggs they grow mutant size and brutally kill the parents of a teenage boy, sending him into a psychological meltdown. When a child psychologist steps in and wants to take him back to the murder site for therapy, that's when the fun begins. The special effects were better than Anaconda's and the acting was shockingly real-especially from Zegers as the tortured teen and Hennessy as his caring shrink. The thrills are more than a few, too. You could do much much worse.

I saw this movie with my wife and her family,we all like horror movies and we all liked it. There have been a few people that have attacked it for one thing or another,one guy because he lives in Florida and is under the mistaken impression that it was supposed to have been filmed there. If you watch the opening sequence, it says it was supposed to have taken place in N.C. And others have said there were plot holes and the f/x were bad,well it's a good story and so are the f/x. If you want a good suspenseful movie,watch this,you'll be glad you did.