Alligator II: The Mutation (1991)

Plot Outline: An alligator grows to enormous size after an unscrupulous property developer has been dumping chemicals in the sewers. With the opening of a new lakefront community coming and the body count starting to rise, a cop, an alligator hunt and some various other people try and put an end to the mutant.

The Review: Not so much a sequel but a really shoddy remake, Alligator II: The Mutation is just like reading a book of how to make a really bad film. For a start, you would have thought they'd improved the effects in the 11 years between the films but no - the monster looks worse here than it ever did. There are some unconvincing rubber models used for attack scenes and a real alligator has been used for some other shots, but suitably placed into miniature sets to get an idea of size. You can't really get scared of a floating turd because that's what it looks like. The film also rattles out the cliches (because that's what they are now) - corrupt mayor, some major event in the town which needs to be kept open, the usual eccentric hunter, scientist who comes up with the solution, evil corporate slime ball who might as well have "I am the villain" stapled to his forehead and plenty of gator chow. At least all of the actors give a fair go and no one is really bad: Joseph Bologna is the kind of everyday Joe who is thrust into an unbelievable situation, Steve Railsback slimes it up as the property developer and Richard Lynch hams it up as the stereotypical hunter complete with hat, outfit and hunting boots. The finale is a little disappointing and so is the attack at the carnival - I'd expected it to be a lot better due to the build up it got throughout the film. Usually the attack finale is the best bit of these films but it didn't happen at all here.

Final Verdict: Alligator II: The Mutation is a weak, feeble sequel strengthened only by some decent performances. A forerunner to the Crocodile school of bad monster on the loose films.

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