Mini Film Review – Troll

Yesterday I watched Troll; and it was really good! Directed by Roar Uthaug, and starring Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, and Gard B. Eidsvold; Troll is a Norwegian Monster Film, about a paleontologist who is asked to advise the government on how to stop a giant mythical troll that has arisen from the depths of the Dovre mountain. Troll from looks alone comes across as quite a madcap looking film, given the film’s subject and monster design. This film though is not a comedy! Yes it does have it’s moments, but for the most part is a straight up classic monster movie. The film takes it’s time to build-up to the eventual reveal of the monster, in a similar fashion to old classics such as The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, to more modern films such as both Godzilla 1998 and 2014. Setting up a monster movie in the modern times is hard to do, as it can come across rather unbelievable; but here the build-up allows doubt in both the characters and the audience. But once it’s time to reveal the truth, the visual effects department do not hold anything back, as they reveal an incredibly well designed creature, and one who blends so seamlessly into view, to create an incredibly believable sight. From this point forward, we then get to see both the inclusion of folklore in the plot, as well as well directed action pieces, which allow more contemplation on more classic monster movies. Seeing the tanks roll out or instance does bring back good memories of watching both classic Godzilla films, and the original Mothra. It’s a really cool and enjoyable movie, but one which allows for great character development, and even some truly tragic scenes. It is, a Modern Monster Movie Classic!