Whena man is eaten alive by an unknown creature, the local Game Warden teams up with a paleontologist from New York to find the beast. Add to the mix an eccentric philanthropist with a penchant for "Crocs", and here we go! This quiet, remote lake is suddenly the focus of an intense search for a crocodile with a taste for live animals...and people!
Bill Pullman Bridget Fonda Oliver Platt Brendan Gleeson Betty White David James Lewis Tim Dixon Natassia Malthe Mariska Hargitay Meredith Salenger Jed Rees Richard Leacock Jake T. Roberts Warren Takeuchi Ty Olsson Adam Arkin Steve Miner
This is my Dad's first artwork cover job (hopefully of many more) for Scream Factory - a subsidiary of the company Shout! Factory - which, as I'm sure many Letterboxd users know, releases DVD & Blu-ray "Collector's Editions" of cult movies, with 'Scream' specifically focusing on the horror/sci-fi/thriller genres. I'm incredibly proud of my father, and seeing his fantastic artwork on a movie cover brings great joy to my film-loving self. I'm hoping that this is just the beginning for even greater things to come!
suddenly got the idea to get drunk with somebody and pair this with anaconda for a really fun double feature. my friends are so lucky to have me because who else do they know that would come up with such fun ideas?
There did not seem to be a better way to celebrate Betty White's 100th than by hearing her deliver one of David E. Kelly's best lines of dialogue, "If I had a dick, this is where I'd tell you to suck it!"
With its pithy dialogue, likable cast, and generous dose of gore, Steve Miner's "Lake Placid" is a fun and thrilling slice of monster-movie horror. Here, the monster in question is a gigantic crocodile hungry for any prey that steps foot in its watery New York state home. Finding and taming the beast makes for a rousing and jolting adventure.
Directed by Steve Miner (best known as the only filmmaker to ever direct multiple films in the Friday The 13th franchise), the film introduces us to a humble part of Maine known as Lincoln County. A quiet, intimate little county, the area changes entirely when a local Fish and Game officer is attacked and ultimately bitten square in half by an unseen being in a local lake. This catches the eye of a group of men and women ranging from the local Sheriff to a fellow Fish and Game officer, a paleontologist to a mythology professor, all who hope to crack the case of what is doing this and how it can be stopped. As the attacks from the monster get more and more aggressive and in the face of the growingly tense population, so do the traps being set by the task force to catch the beast. Starring a rather interesting cast including names like Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Oliver Platt, Brendan Gleeson and even a fun, pre-internet meme era turn from one Betty White, this enjoyably riotous romp of a monster movie clocks in at a brisk 82 minutes and feels about half of that in execution.
This new Blu-ray is also rather good. The new transfer here is serviceable, and there are a series of new interviews with the director, Pullman, cinematographer Daryn Okada and even the special effects team. Rounding out the release is a vintage featurette that is fine but nothing to write home about, and a collection of trailers and TV spots. Overall, while the film has become known as something of a cult genre gem, it may look like many other relatives from the horror/comedy clan, the script here is so fun and energetic, and the cast is so lively and gives each word a punchy sense of vitality that it becomes something just a little bit more. And for that, this is worth keeping an eye out for on store shelves.
Picture a whimsical blend of Anaconda and Jaws, where a severe monster thriller meets a wild adventure-comedy in an unexpected yet intriguing concoction. This is the essence of Lake Placid, a 1999 American horror-comedy film directed by Steve Miner, widely known for his work on TV's The Wonder Years and films such as Forever Young and Halloween: H20. The movie features an ensemble cast including Bridget Fonda, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, and Betty White.
Set in the serene woods of Maine, the plot thickens when a mutilated body is found near the shore of a lake, with the only clue being a large tooth resembling that of a prehistoric creature, specifically a gigantic crocodile. Jack Wells (Pullman) assumes the role of the community's fish and game warden, entrusted with the responsibility of delving into the intricacies of the case. Joining him is Kelly Scott (Fonda), a paleontologist who typically prefers working indoors but is now faced with an outdoor investigation. Adding to her challenges, she also deals with the aftermath of a recent breakup.
Sheriff Hank Keogh (Gleeson) complicates their investigation as he intends to eliminate the creature. Hector Cyr (Platt), a mythology enthusiast, is determined to capture and study the beast. Additionally, Mrs. Bickerman (White), an eccentric widow, adds to the complexity with her peculiar tales of missing cattle and her late husband.
Lake Placid masterfully blends suspense, humor, and romance, thanks to a well-crafted script by David E. Kelley, the creator of popular TV shows like Ally McBeal and The Practice. Although Lake Placid did not win any major awards, it has since gained cult status among fans of the horror-comedy genre. It was successful enough to spawn several direct-to-video sequels, testifying to its enduring popularity.
The production of the film truly embraces the charm and allure of nature by utilizing the picturesque landscapes of Lincoln, Maine, and Vancouver and Surrey in British Columbia, Canada. Most scenes were shot in the remote locations of Lincoln, a town nestled in Penobscot County, Maine. This serene locale convincingly stood in for the fictional locations in the same state depicted in the film.
The backdrop of Lincoln is an enchanting tapestry of lush forests, tranquil waters, and a quaint small-town feel. It's surrounded by remarkable landmarks such as Mattanawcook Lake, a favorite spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts, and Penobscot River, known for its scenic beauty.
Beyond Maine, some scenes were filmed in the vibrant cities of Vancouver and Surrey in British Columbia. These locations offer diverse attractions, from bustling urban centers to peaceful parks and waterfronts.
The fictional Black Lake was portrayed using three different lakes in British Columbia: Shawnigan Lake, Buntzen Lake, and Hayward Lake. Each lake offers its unique charm, ranging from tranquil waters surrounded by forested mountains to recreational hotspots with beaches and picnic areas.
A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile, especially for Lake Placid fans. Visitors would have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters and experience the stunning natural beauty these regions offer. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a film buff, these locations cater to a wide range of interests.
The opening scene is set in the fictional Black Lake, Aroostook County, Maine. It begins with an expansive view of a mountain range, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty that is abruptly disrupted. Fish and Game officer Walt Lawson (David Lewis) is peacefully scuba diving in the lake's tranquil waters when he is suddenly attacked by an unseen creature, resulting in a gruesome end.
This gripping scene was filmed at Buntzen Lake in Anmore, British Columbia. The Buntzen Lake Recreation Area, a mere one-hour drive east of Vancouver, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Nestled between Eagle Ridge and Mountain to the east, this location provides awe-inspiring vistas and a wealth of outdoor pursuits. The surrounding hiking trails, catering to all levels of expertise and physical capabilities, meander through Indian Arm Provincial Park and Belcarra Regional Park.
To reach this destination from Vancouver, you can take the Trans-Canada Highway and then transition onto BC-7 E. This journey offers breathtaking scenic views and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of British Columbia.
Kelly Scott, a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, is a character who adds an intriguing layer to the story. She appears excited about her work, but her life changes completely when Kevin (Adam Arkin), her significant other, unceremoniously breaks up with her in his office, triggering a panic attack and immense stress.
This pivotal scene was shot at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Established in 1869, the museum is one of the world's leading scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. It houses 45 permanent exhibition halls, including the renowned Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hayden Planetarium, along with galleries for temporary exhibitions.
The exterior shot of the museum presents an impressive visual that underscores the scale of Kelly's professional life and the magnitude of her upheaval. The museum's grandeur serves as a backdrop for this scene and subtly mirrors the enormity of the events unfolding in the film.
Kelly leaves her job at the American Museum of Natural History in New York to investigate a bizarre murder in Maine. One of the critical scenes unfolds in a morgue where she encounters Sheriff Hank Keough, who witnessed the murder. Their interaction continues in a local store, where they discuss the murder details. Hank finds Kelly too pedantic, which adds tension to their dynamic. Later, Kelly meets Jack Wells, who attempts to dissuade her from venturing to the lake.
This scene was filmed at what was then the Indigo General Store, located at 2750 W Shawnigan Lake Road in Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia. The store has since been transformed into a Japanese restaurant named Shawnigan Jens.
Despite this change, the location retains its original charm and is open to visitors. Fans of the film can stop by for a meal, immersing themselves in a location that played a vital role in the movie. Surrounding areas also retain their cinematic allure, allowing fans to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere reminiscent of the film's setting.
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