Crocodile Dundee

Paul Hogan stars as the 'Wizard of Auz' in this very popular 1986 fish-out-of-water comedy that spawned an Australian film franchise. Hogan plays free-spirited Outback native Michael J. 'Crocodile' Dundee, who, having survived the most hostile and primitive landscape known to man, finds an even bigger challenge awaits him: making it through a week in New York City. What possible upside could wrest him from down under? Fame, a fat expense account, and the eventual love of Sue Charlton (Linda Koslowski), a pushy NYC reporter who has pre-sold the entire city on Dundee's derring-do. Hogan is entirely winning as a croc wrestler with more than a little crock of his own to throw about, and he keeps the whole thing afloat practically on charm alone. Good thing too, for neither its paper-thin plot, flat romantic chemistry (despite the fact that Hogan and Koslowski were married soon after shooting), nor clumsy resolution could have carried it stateside otherwise. Followed by two even thinner (if you can imagine that) sequels--Crocodile Dundee II and Crocodile Dundee in L.A. (both also available on DVD)--this amiable, if instantly forgettable, crowd pleaser is a recommended purchase. (S. C. Sickles)[Blu-ray Review—May 20, 2014—Paramount, 208 min., PG-13/PG, $22.98—Making their first appearance on Blu-ray, 1986's Crocodile Dundee and 1988's Crocodile Dundee II feature decent transfers and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack on Crocodile Dundee and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack on Crocodile Dundee II. Extras include trailers for the first film, and a behind-the-scenes featurette (6 min.) and trailer for the sequel. Bottom line: an Aussie favorite double-bill makes a welcome Blu-ray two-fer.]