Crocodile Dundee

1986 • 97 minutes
4.4
190 reviews
89%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Paul Hogan's hilarious, endearing performance made "Crocodile" Dundee the biggest box-office comedy smash of 1986! Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee (Hogan) is a free spirited Australian who hunts crocodiles with his bare hands, stares down giant water buffaloes, and drinks mere mortals under the table. But he's about to face the ultimate torture test--a trip to New York City. Beautiful and tenacious reporter Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) gets more than just a story as the "wonder from Down Under" rocks the Big Apple to its core.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.4
190 reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
December 27, 2021
This casual comedy tells a fish-out-of-water story where a New York news-writer named "Sue" is going to Australia to find an unreported bushman named "Michael J. Crocodile Dundee" (Mick for short), so she can hear the in-depth story where he was bitten on the leg and death-rolled by a sixteen-foot saltwater crocodile. Mick gives Sue a tour around the Northern Outback, then it is Sue's turn to give him a tour. Sue takes him to New York City. Thanks to Peter Faiman's direction, this film is unforgettable and I was not bored at all, because most of this movie just feels laid-back and good-natured as it moves at a pace that is neither fast (otherwise the movie would be hasty and predictable), nor slow (otherwise the movie would become tedious). The pacing of the movie is absolutely adequate. As far as entertainment goes, most of the time, the movie just meanders along and all is quiet, until suddenly, Bam! the delivery is sharp; quite often, the movie offers quick cuts, suspenseful timing, clever writing, and the slick tone to either let out a laugh or a gasp. That is how effective Faiman's direction is. While the movie is funny, it is not hilarious. It is an amusing comedy, and during the second half, the comedy delivers more frequently, especially when we get to see what happens when Mick explores New York City. The action is shocking and quite rousing. Russell Boyd is responsible for the cinematography, the film is shot on real location, where we get to see the beautiful Australian outback as well as the culture of Australia like the dancing tribesman. Then we get to see what New York City looks like inside and out. From the sounds used for the backgrounds and context, to the excellent score by Peter Best, the tone of the movie as a whole is phenomenal; creating an engaging atmosphere that immerses me in for a nice adventure. I have got to talk more about more about the score by Peter Best; The score was used at the most appropriate time to enhance an element that is happening. Some music tracks are emotionally tender, some music tracks are dramatic, and most of the music tracks are so groovy. Of course, The iconic theme song for this movie is such an agreeable music track. The cast did a great job with their memorable performances. Paul Hogan delivers an amusingly dry and collected performance as Mick Dundee with his easy-going charm and silliness. As a character, he has some clever tricks to show during any situation, dealing with troublemakers, interacting with women, and how he goes around. But he has been known to kill animals which is unacceptable. Linda Kozlowski is great as Sue Charlton; she seems happy and relaxed most of the time, she can also be interested in Mick Dundee. Caitlin Clarke plays the syrupy Simone with her cloying personality as she relishes Mick's company. Mark Blum plays Richard with smooth glee. And John Snyder plays the taunting pimp. The movie has it's drawbacks, especially for the fact that I am an animal fanatic. I was glad that some of the animals are animatronics, but the animals (especially the deadly reptiles) don't deserved to be killed. The same croc that attacks Mick got thrusted by a big knife; saltwater crocs are highly territorial apex predators that deserve respect and conservation, not fear and hate. There are also some problems with the writing involving the animals too; trying to get a wild water buffalo off the road, but something else happens, and it does not work. Mick says something redundant about kangaroo poaching "there's no law against that." He also says that crocs don't like fresh meat. Crocodilians eat just about any flesh, no matter how old or fresh it may be. In conclusion: "Crocodile Dundee" offers unforgettably solid entertainment and laid-back charm, and as a fish-out-of-water story, it works. 3.5/5
winejew
January 3, 2018
It's a fun easy going movie that doesn't doesn't require much thought, but doesn't intend to. Each scene feels like you're jumping from one joke to the next, but it transitions smoothly enough, and the writers kept the plot on course. There is a slow build up that keeps you wondering what's next, so you don't mind being along for the ride. The humor just makes you smile with a main character that is disarming. You want to root for him regardless of what he does. Most surprising, even though the set is forever 1980's NY, the movie ages well. Even when she tries to bring up "current" events, his response is timeless. Enjoy it for the light hearted comedy that it is.
IRONSIDE
August 31, 2020
If we could all be as nieve and just have fun. Most take life so seriously we can't have real fun. However ever that's not this kind of country, that's a shame or if we try too, it's most likely a sham! Great movie great plot.