Lake Placid 3 (2010)

Absolutely Fantastic

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Colin Fergusson gives a superb performance in director G.E. Furst's exciting entry in the Lake Placid saga. Yancy Butler and dependable Michael Ironside provide strong support with Butler giving the proceedings some much needed comedy relief. However, the light hearted moments are overshadowed by the dark, gritty horror of the giant alligator attacks that threaten to destroy all life. The shocks are unrelenting and the suspense builds to a shattering climax that is almost more than can be endured. The script is intelligent and fast paced and the images of the crocodiles in all their horrific ferocity are nothing less than haunting. This is a film that will cause many second thoughts before anyone swims in a lake again. Hi octane thrills from start to finish and Fergusson has never been better.

Before the opening credits, a nice looking young man and woman take off all their clothes to swim nakedly and enjoy copulating. Unfortunately, during the latter, they are eaten by "Lake Placid 3" crocodiles. Almost a year since the passing of eccentric old Sadie Bickerman from "Lake Placid 2" (2007), the community has (again) been lulled into a false sense of security (and forgetfulness). A new group of crocodiles is looming in the lake. Arriving on the scene, and providing continuity, are Bickerman relatives. Instead of crazy ladies, we have a family. They are zoologist Colin Ferguson (as Nathan Bickerman), his realtor wife Kirsty Mitchell (as Susan) and their son Jordan Grehs (as Connor). He likes to feed the crocodiles...Like the previous entries, this sequel has a few strained story lines. In addition to the family, there is the hunter; this time it's a woman, scenery-chewing elk poacher Yancy Butler (as Reba). Leading the "young adult" group is handsome Mark Evans (as Brett) and his arousing girlfriend Kacey Barnfield (as Ellie). As expected, they are supported by mostly annoying college-aged youngsters, who make great crocodile bait. Bikinis and breasts are generously displayed. Versatile director G.E. Furst shows some promise, note how skillfully he introduces the father and son. There are also promising alterations in the "Lake Placid" formula. Unfortunately, and considering the resources, nothing lifts this shaky story above mediocrity.*** Lake Placid 3 (8/21/10) G.E. Furst ~ Colin Ferguson, Yancy Butler, Jordan Grehs, Michael Ironside

My God, a third one. At least this one is a TV movie. Colin Ferguson of "Eureka" plays a game warden who moves his family to Lake Placid. His son comes across baby crocs and begins feeding them. Before you know it, they have grown quite large and eat a poodle and then lots of people. Two crocs lay siege to the warden's home and its man versus supercrocs. Ferguson, who is so likable on "Eureka,' here is a cardboard cutout, as are Michael Ironside as a sheriff and Yancy Butler as a game hunter. The crocs are the usual SyFy Channel bad CGI. Some halfway decent gore, but no cigar for this absolutely unnecessary sequel. Shot in Bulgaria!

Silly second sequel to Steve Miner's original from 1999, this time about over-sized CGI-crocodiles eating a bunch of topless women with Michael Ironside, Colin Ferguson and a hard-boiled Yancy Butler out to slay the beasts. They're not really successful at this, resulting in a lot of casualties. The film's pretty much so dumb it becomes fun. Almost thankfully, it takes itself less serious than the previous installment, 'Lake Placid 2' (2007). The opening-scene of 'Lake Placid 3' features full frontal female nudity and sex on a muddy beach that ends in a croc-munching death of the couple. At least somebody knew what kind of film they were making.