Komodo

Komodo is a 1999 horror film directed by Michael Lantieri and starring Jill Hennessy, Billy Burke, Kevin Zegers, and Paul Gleeson. The film takes place on a remote island where a young boy named Patrick discovers a nest of Komodo dragons, one of which bites him. Despite the locals' insistence that the dragons are harmless, Patrick's wound becomes infected and his father, Dr. Susan Richardson (Hennessy), decides to take him to the island's only hospital, which is run by her ex-husband and colleague Dr. Marquez (Gleeson).

Meanwhile, a group of tourists led by Carr (Burke) arrive on the island to go on a photo safari, unaware of the danger that awaits them. As the Komodo dragons become more aggressive and begin attacking the tourists, Dr. Richardson and Dr. Marquez must work together to find a way to stop them before they kill everyone on the island.

The film is a classic monster movie, complete with scenes of the creatures stealthily stalking their prey and dramatic moments of survival as characters fight for their lives in the face of the deadly Komodo dragons. The CGI used to create the dragons is impressive for its time, and the film manages to build tension and suspense through clever camera angles and atmospheric music.

One of the film's strengths is its cast, which includes several recognizable faces in addition to the leads. Burke, best known for his roles in the Twilight saga and the TV series Zoo, adds depth to his character Carr, a rugged, outdoorsy type who becomes the group's de facto leader. Zegers, who would go on to star in films such as Transamerica and the Air Bud series, plays the young Patrick with an innocence that endears him to the audience. And Gleeson, a veteran character actor with over 200 credits to his name, brings gravitas to his role as the gruff Dr. Marquez.

Hennessy, perhaps best known for her roles on the TV series Law & Order and Crossing Jordan, is the film's standout performer. As Dr. Richardson, she embodies a toughness and determination while still conveying the vulnerability of a mother trying to save her child. She shares a poignant scene with Zegers where he asks her if he's going to die, and she responds that she won't let him.

The film also highlights the conflict between science and superstition, as the locals refuse to believe that the Komodo dragons are dangerous and resist the doctors' efforts to study and treat them. This theme is further explored in the relationship between Dr. Richardson and Dr. Marquez, who are estranged due to their differing approaches to medicine. However, as they are forced to work together to combat the threat of the Komodo dragons, they begin to see each other's perspectives and ultimately come to a greater understanding.

In conclusion, Komodo is a solid creature feature that delivers thrills and chills in equal measure. Its talented cast and impressive special effects help elevate it above other B-movie fare, and its themes of science vs. superstition and reconciliation add depth to the story. Fans of monster movies will find plenty to enjoy here, and those who appreciate a well-crafted horror film will find themselves on the edge of their seats.