Friday, September 25, 2020

Movie review: Primal


 Exotic animal hunter and collector Frank has just struck it big by capturing a priceless white Jaguar along with his other catches. On the ship sailing home however is a deadly political assassin who first breaks free and then releases Frank's animals onto the ship, including the white jaguar.

Nicolas Cage (Frank), Famke Janssen (Dr. Taylor), Kevin Durand (Loffler), LaMonica Garrett (Ringer), Michael Imperioli (Freed), Braulio Hijo (Morales), Tommy Walker (Forrest), Sewell Whitney (Scuddy).

Primal begins with Frank encountering the white jaguar and our introduction to the CGI used throughout the film. Cat and other catches in hand, Frank boards the boat home only to find he is sharing it with a deadly political assassin, Loffler, who promptly escapes. The hunt now on for Loffler the action steps up a notch. When Loffler then releases Frank's wild animals things get even more tense.

Acting was a mix here. Cage did fairly well at times but also seemed to fall back into his usual grungy cranky alcoholic mode at times. Janssen was a surprising choice and did well while also feeling underused. Durand was perfectly cast and in a role that fit him well which he managed nicely. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are mostly boat based, felt solid, and fit the film. Effects were a mix as well. CGI with the animals felt almost comic at times, underdone other times. Physical effects were mildly better. Dialogue was okay and added some depth to the story. Sound and soundtrack are decent.

Overall Primal is a blend of familiar stories as an obvious tool to promote action and intensity. Those who enjoy action & adventure films should enjoy this one. Those looking for a new story or depth may be disappointed.

With some violence and foul language, this one should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 9.22.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Action, Thriller

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

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