Croczilla (2012) User Reviews

Dumb and Dumber

[artpf · 5/10 · 13 November 2013]

Xiao, befriends Amao a 36 foot crocodile, who lives on his fathers croc sanctuary.

Xiao's father is forced to sell his crocodiles to a gangster who plans to use them for high priced meals.

Before Amao is due to be slaughtered, he escapes, slaying his captors in the process.

Amongst the chaos, Amao accidentally swallows a bag with $1 million dollars inside.

When rumor's of this spread, the town locals are split with some fearing for their lives and others set out to capture and kill the crocodile, at any cost.

More or less a rip off of the Godzilla chain using technology stolen from the West. It's a harmless movie with kookie acting and a kid's focus. If adults watch this film, they are crazy.

Different, I will say that much...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 19 April 2013]

As much of a fan as I am of Asian cinema, then this movie was sort of a long-dragged session to get through. "Croczilla" ("Million Dollar Crocodile") is labeled as an action/Sci Fi/thriller. Right, so where does these actually come into play? This is more of a family/comedy movie if anything. Why? Well because of the silly storyline and even worse dialogue.

The story is about a huge crocodile that is sold to a shady restaurant in order to be turned into a dish for restaurant patrons, but the crocodile escapes death and captivity and wrecks havoc on the farming countryside. Where it snatches up the purse from a stranded woman. Determined to get her many Euros back, the woman sets out to track down the huge crocodile. A small boy and his father also become part of the crocodile hunt.

Storywise, then "Croczilla" was fairly weak. Sure it was enjoyable enough in itself, but the movie just came off as a cheesy and rather family-friendly movie, and not the action/Sci Fi/thriller it was intended to be.

This movie is meant to be seen with the original language track. Trust me! Don't switch to the English dub, because it is just awful. It is amazing that in 2012 something questionable as that dubbing still can take place. Not only is it bad, but it is so full of racial stereotyping on the Asian, that it is just offensive to everyone and downright racially inappropriate.

"Croczilla" is perhaps suitable for hardcore fans of Asian cinema, and that perhaps is a big perhaps at that. This movie offers nothing new, innovating or interesting to any particular genre, nor does it impress in any way.

Far better than I expected

[callanvass · 4/10 · 18 June 2015]

(Credit to Russell Cunningham) Xiao, befriends Amao a 36 foot crocodile, who lives on his fathers croc sanctuary. Xiao's father is forced to sell his crocodiles to a gangster who plans to use them for high priced meals. Before Amao is due to be slaughtered, he escapes, slaying his captors in the process. Amongst the chaos, Amao accidentally swallows a bag with $1 million dollars inside. When rumor's of this spread, the town locals are split with some fearing for their lives and others set out to capture and kill the crocodile, at any cost.

I watched this with a friend on Netflix a few months ago. She likes cheesy creature features. I wouldn't call this a waste of time. There are some amusing moments. A woman being so obsessed with money, even though she almost got killed made me laugh. As enjoyably silly as this is, I also got annoyed on numerous occasions. There are some truly stupid characters that ruined the experience a bit for me. The effects are terrible (What else would you expect?) I will say the ending offers some genuine emotion moment. That is something I didn't expect from this sort of thing. If you love cheesy creature features, this one is for you. You could do worse.

4/10

Horrifically Bad - And Not In A Good Way

[spiritof67 · 9 September 2017]

Even by the admittedly slack standards of The Chiller Channel, infamous for some of the worst, low-budget, terribly-acted, cartoonish-CGI movies, this one is bad. Tao Guo and Barbie Hsu aren't, on the form shown here, qualified to act in a local theater version of Andy Warhol's "Empire" (it showed the Empire State Building solo for 24 hours). How this movie got 4.2 stars out of 10 is a story meriting a movie in itself. Given a choice, do anything else but watch this movie.

Huh.

[lmadorski · 2/10 · 14 January 2019]

This is the kind of movie that I would usually give a 1/10, but I get the feeling it doesn't deserve that. Yes, it's incredibly stupid, but it doesn't always take itself that seriously, though the key word is always. The issue with that is it isn't funny when it tries to be, but is when it doesn't, so it's at least slightly entertaining. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone actually looking for something good to watch. Honestly, I find it funnier that I own the thing than the movie is funny. So if you do decide to watch it, get some friends and prepare to laugh.

"Dinosaur! Dinosaur!"

[Classic_Boxing_Matches · 2/10 · 6 March 2023]

An 8 meter rogue crocodile is loose in a small Chinese village. After he eats a woman's purse containing 200,000 euros, he becomes hunted by both the local police and a dodgy business owner who is responsible for the creatures escape in the first place.

I'm not a huge expert on Chinese cinema. Most of the films I've seen have been Jackie Chan or ancient martial arts style movies. I'm saying that so as you continue reading this review, know that I am probably not the target audience for this film... I'll cut right to it - I didn't like it. The story premise was intriguing which is why I bothered purchasing it but they just don't make the most of the material. Everybody is scared of this giant crocodile and yet in the whole film all she did is eat a purse, eat a sheep and ate 1 person who was trying to kill her so it was deserved. She was responsible for the death of at least 1 other person but she didn't kill them herself and she dis cause a fair bit or property damage I guess. The film is relatively short but it feels long because most of the action scenes amount to nothing. It's mostly talking about where the crocodile has been or how they will stop it and when the crocodile does show up it often just walks away without doing anything or people manage to escape. There is also a lack of violence and gore, infact there is only minimal blood so even as a cheesy horror there isn't much visually to be disgusted at. The CGI does look pretty decent though, you can tell when the crocodiles are fake but I was pretty impressed all the same. It was humorous at times but probably for the wrong reasons, the English dub was in the realm of so bad its good territory.

Final Verdict: Surprisingly decent CGI with a few laughs can't save this dull monster movie. The premise sounds fun, but they just don't do enough with it to make this worth your while. Avoid.

A fun Chinese monster movie with humor

[LARSONRD · 6/10 · 14 February 2013]

This is not, in fact, a new mega-gator from the folks at The Asylum, but rather it is a very entertaining Hong Kong comedy film originally titled MILLION DOLLAR CROCODILE. With a fine cast whose performances are muddled somewhat from over-the-top and campy English dubbing, this is a fun story about an 8-meter crocodile that is sold by its keeper to a sushi bar, but it soon escapes and ravages the countryside. Peopled by a diverse cast of eccentric and crazed characters, including (in fine Gamera kaiju style) a young boy who befriends the monster, the story plays out in typical giant monster fashion, only with plenty of slapstick and funny asides from the characters along the way. CGI visual effects are acceptable to very good. The orchestral music score, attributed to a Chinese composer named Dong Dongdong, is very supportive a well.

Do not tamper with nature.

[PWNYCNY · 8/10 · 8 August 2014]

This is an entertaining, campy movie. The poor crocodile isn't really a monster; it just acts that way because it's aggravated. It's the people who exhibit bizarre behavior. This movie offers a dreary and troubling depiction of people. The only character worthy of respect is the crocodile. Everyone else is loud, obnoxious, incompetent and greedy. No wonder the crocodile wants to be left alone. The plot bears a slight resemblance to the original King Kong. In both movies a large, menacing creature is exploited, causing much havoc. The cinematography is good and the depictions of the crocodile are convincing. This is a big creature. But it is not a monster. Rather, it's an animal that is being mistreated and so is defending herself. The creature lacks the intelligence to discern friend from enemy, and so lashes out indiscriminately. Lacking decisional capacity, the crocodile is blameless for any harm done; that is attributable solely to the humans, many of whom are hysterical. There is little character development, but the movie provides enough information for a coherent story. Although this movie has its flaws, nevertheless it is interesting and entertaining, and teaches that one should respect other creatures, especially ones that weigh thousands of pounds and have huge, sharp teeth.

Fun "B" Movie that doesn't disappoint

[sdavidson68 · 6/10 · 22 July 2013]

Crockzilla was a bit of a surprise. Even though the English dubbing and storyline are a little weak, this is a fun film that actually employs some cinematic skill.

The cgi and live croc shots and scenery et al are actually pretty good. The scenes which depict the giant croc eating things are very well done, with believable cgi animation apparently done by someone with some talent. Some scenes you have to really look to tell if you're seeing cgi or live animals. So kudos there!

Other than the cheesy acting by the few actors in this film, such as the cross eyed tea garden worker (who oddly is the only person in the entire tea garden who is seen working in the field) and the incompetent sushi squad, this film should rate more than just a couple stars.

Compared to other awful "B" flicks like "Sharknado," this film deserves an academy award!

Not as bad as everyone says...a bit zany in fact.

[dagamedoc · 6/10 · 26 May 2014]

Okay, so this movie is pure, unadulterated cheese. If your looking for something that will give you nightmares, or even be serious, try something else...War of the Worlds maybe.

In my experience, most Asian films when trying to portray a serious story go two ways, either heart-wrenching drama that makes me contemplate suicide...or a boring, matter of fact, mind dump of every small detail. Thankfully, this does neither...its just a stupid monster movie, with a fair amount of humor added in.

Seriously, the main characters name is "Wong Wei", and he is a bit of a stumble-bum...and the portrayed stereotypes of the bad guys is just stupidly funny. Its not Stephen Chou, but its still pretty darn watchable and good for a mindless chuckle here and there.

Rather enjoyable if slightly flawed creature feature

[kannibalcorpsegrinder · 8/10 · 3 December 2015]

After escaping from a diner intending to eat it, a monstrous crocodile begins rampaging through China looking for a place to rest and forcing the authorities and an officer's son to stop the creature before it overruns the area.

This here was quite the fun and enjoyable creature feature. One of the better elements featured here is the fact that the main croc gets loose so early in the film which gives this some really enjoyable times. The early scenes for that are pretty fun, from the capture in it's pen as they lure it out and take it away, as well as the actual escape from the group when they're preparing to chop it up which makes for some really fun times overall here with the actual action of the escape. The early confrontations here where it attacks the girl in the rice paddies, a later attack on the boys swimming in the stream and a rather fun encounter along the side of the road offer up some enjoyable elements, while offering the perfect base for which the film's big action scenes which really give this one a lot to really enjoy here. There's several rather big scenes here, from the first one being the house ambush as it chases them around onto the second floor where they manage to get away in a really unique manner, the battle with the gangsters in the forest where they get to chase it through the streams nearby out into the river and the later attack down by the river where they try to lure it out by putting themselves in the direct line of fire against the creature in some really thrilling and suspenseful scenes while the action here makes for some really exciting times as the logical actions make for a rousing finale. As well, the fact that this part of the film also introduces the rather enjoyable concept about the creatures' inherent goodness and sensitivity that's normally not found in these kinds of movies which adds an extra layer to the creature that makes it more than a mindless killing machine so common in these kinds of efforts. Along with the absolutely enjoyable practical croc effects, this one has some enjoyable parts over it's minor flaws. The film's biggest issue is the rather overbearing and aggravating plot line about the materialistic girl whining on and on about the lost money inside the croc which makes for a pretty aggravating time here when almost every single scene she's in is based on these aggravating tactics. Another minor issue here is the fact that there's several unnecessary elements featured which are hard to watch and really have no purpose being here, namely the violence against the small crocs which looks like the actual animals are being killed to be eaten in the restaurant which isn't that appealing to see the wounds being dished out. Likewise, the nudity of the pre-pubescent boys doesn't do anything for this one as the age of the performers should've rendered the tactic utterly unnecessary to begin with. Along with the suspect CGI for the croc, there here are the film's issues.

Rated PG-13: Violence, Language, child nudity and violence-against-animals.

China's first movie in the genre

[GSeditor · 6/10 · 11 August 2013]

A large crocodile kept in a zoo is sold to be chopped out for meat but escapes in the nick of the time. It swallows a young woman's bag with her life savings in it. So the lady, as well as a disparate group of people, falls on its trail.

This is a relatively light-hearted crocodile-on-rampage movie as it doesn't feature much gore even though the croc does kill a few people. The cgi is not bad at all (much better than the recent Z-grade American croc films if you set your standards at that low level), but it still shows itself to be cgi in some scenes.

The highlight of the movie is when the croc enters a house, rampaging through a stairway, breaking through the walls and even assaulting people who had taken shelter at the roof. Subsequent scenes in which a croc trainer challenges and tries to subdue the giant beast just with a large stick are also very interesting; being a croc movie fan and having watched about two dozen croc movies so far, I had never seen such a scene before in any other croc movie.

There is a heavy dose of intentional comedy, some of which is tolerable and some of which is pretty pathetic.

Good Chinese Monster on the Loose flick with comedy mixed in

[radioactivesound · 6/10 · 10 April 2022]

This was a good and fun film overall.

It has plenty of humor mixed in with it throughout the film.

Not particularly gory or bloody, not even a lot of kills, but it kept suspense most of the time none-the-less.

Barbie Hsu, and the other two leads, Guo and Ding are fun and interesting since they're not actors you're familiar with.

Having a child as a central part of a monster / creature feature like this isn't new, but a bit rarer overall and that seemed to help the movie.

The CGI were good overall, but at times you were well aware that's what they were, kind of just by the nature of what they had the creature do for a film like this.

There are a few cliches, and it's apparent early on Hsu will become a love interest, but it is still fun anyway.

There is a bit of a teaser there could be a sequel to this movie as the credits roll but as of yet nothing seems to have been developed that way.

The ending does keep you guessing a bit is this going to be a Disney nicer ending or more of a demise type of ending for the creature? The only thing is how that develops seems a bit cliche, but that's how they wrote it.

Nice to have a flashback to the classic Nintendo game Duck Hunt in the movie also as a bit of a plot point.

Neat creature feature

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 6 September 2021]

A 36-foot crocodile goes on the rampage in Beijing after it's moved from a crocodile by an evil fat guy who plans on cooking and eating it. Moreover, said crocodile has also devoured a handbag with a million bucks inside of it.

Writer/director Lisheng Lin keeps the enjoyably inane story zipping along at a brisk pace, maintains an engaging tongue-in-cheek tone throughout, stages the croc attacks with aplomb, and presents a colorful array of wacky characters. Moreover, the CGI croc looks pretty cool while the amusing sense of goofy humor delivers a steady succession of big laughs. A fun flick.