The litmus test of a giant killer-snake movie is whether or not the thing is scary, and director Luis Llosa delivers a plausibly thrilling ride, relying heavily on the horror conventions codified by JAWS. It won't take viewers long to realize that the callow, youthful
documentarians led by cocksure anthropologist Steven Cale (Eric Stoltz) and first-time director Terri Flores (Jennifer Lopez) are going to be tested by the Amazon in their quest to find and film the anaconda-worshiping Shirishama Indians. The film's foreboding atmosphere is so efficiently
established from the outset (cinematographer Bill Butler also shot JAWS) that when the crew comes across stranded ...
Released:
1997
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
90 mins