CROCODILE ISLAND** , directed by Shixing Xu, Simon Zhao

A plane crashes somewhere in the ocean on a deserted island. Lucky for the few who made it out alive – or so they think. Aside from having no water and no rescue team in sight, there is little hope. But there's another problem: a huge crocodile lives on this island, and when the croc discovers them, the terrified group runs. In fact, most of this film’s action comprises running away from this very hungry creature. But it’s not just the croc that comes after them, there are gigantic spiders whose webs catch the human prey.

There is a father and his daughter, a pregnant girl and her fiancé, a selfish bad boy and a nerd. But the characters are flat; we really don’t care if they get eaten by the croc. Suspense is totally lacking because we know what the croc is going to do once he opens his mouth.

Certainly, this is no “Jurassic Park”. The film never shows the croc eating the poor souls who end up in his mouth. Nor do we ever see the croc using his tail to batter anyone. Dare I say these actions would have added some gruesome excitement to the film. The film plays out like a horror spoof.

          The best actor in the film was the crocodile.

#CrocodileIslandWellGoUSA

3 DAYS IN MALAY *** A Powerful War Film Directed by Louis Mandylor

                                                   Inspired by true events

This gritty war film vividly conveys the horrific consequence of being ambushed by the enemy - in this case - the Japanese. War planes attack an American airfield base; the allies’unpreparedness leaves corpses in the wake as some run for cover.

Without much notice, the marines are sent on a kill mission.

The Japs descend on them like locusts. The outcome is a disaster. 

By the time help arrives, it's too late. Only 3 men survive.

There’s an important back story here: the two protagonists, John Caputo, (played by the director himself) was once a boxer with a past he keeps hidden. James (Donald Cerrone) and Caputo knew each other in childhood.

James played by Donald Cerrone

Caputo (right) played by Louis Mandylor

Haunted by a broken friendship, Caputo goes from the boxing ring to this marine corps to find his former friend. Their conflicts both small and major were never resolved. Ironically, it's  on the battlefield where their issues come to light. James’s decades-long grudge against Caputo disintegrates.

 

What makes the film uniquely memorable is the friendships formed off the field. It serves them well as they deal with the undeniable terror on enemy terrain. Mandylor gave great attention to each marine's character. Their emotion is palpable.

"3 Days in Malay" is not a dry tell-what-happened account.

It lives real before our eyes.

#3daysinmalay@WellGoUSA