TROLL (2022)
Netflix streaming monster movie takes place in the Norwegian mountains where blasting for construction on a new railroad awakens a massive rock-like creature. Scientist Nora Tidemann (Ine Marie Wilmann) believes it to be a gigantic troll right out of Norwegian folklore. As the military fails to destroy it, Nora must now find a way to stop the monster as it heads towards heavily populated areas.
Norwegian creature feature is directed by Roar Uthaug (Cold Prey, The Wave, Tomb Raider) from his script with Espen Aukan. It’s a solid and entertaining giant monster flick, though could have used a bit more of a sense of fun. Uthaug has directed horror and disaster movies and makes this with the same serious tone. It is a double-edged sword as that does help us go along with the fantastic storyline, but it also makes the flick take itself a touch too serious to really be a good time. Only Yusuf Toosh Ibra as government official Amir brings a little levity to the proceedings. All the giant monster movie clichés are there and well done, from arrogant government leaders (Anneke von der Lippe) to heroic soldiers (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen) to Nora’s sympathetic scientist. The troll even gets to wander into a crowded theme park and shows mercy towards children. The SPFX are quite excellent thought the creature itself could have used a bit more personality. It does earn our sympathy in the last act as we learn the truth about its past. A decent enough if not perfect giant monster flick from Norway and director Roar Uthaug. Currently streaming on Netflix!
-MonsterZero NJ
MonsterZero NJ's Movie Madhouse 