The makers of Collision Course obviously knew this, as their attitude towards the film is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". There's a rudimentary plot that involves a renegade crocodile, a lost Top Secret American satellite and some CIA agents on a retrieval mission in the Australian Outback, but these are just a backdrop filled by forgettable characters. The real stars are, quite rightly, Steve Irwin, his wife Terri and their long-suffering dog Sui (who probably dreams of Frisbees and warm beds on those constant boat trips through the swamps of Australia). The entire film is done in the same format as the TV series, with Steve speaking directly to the camera as he handles everything from "the most poisonous snake in the world" (which, of course, he grabs by the tail), a bird-eating spider (he pokes it with a stick to show off its fangs) and overzealous "poachers" (in one of the film's funniest scenes). Plus, of course, an enormous crocodile which he wrestles underwater (fans of old Tarzan films take note!), grapples on land and lassos from a boat. Best of all, because it's Steve Irwin, you know these animals aren't props or special effects--that huge snake is real (and really angry), as is that spider crawling on his wife and that crocodile chewing on his oar. People looking for plot and substance would be better off avoiding The Crocodile Hunter. But fans of the Irwins (no matter what their age) will find this an entertaining and amusing way to spend a couple of hours.

On the DVD: The Crocodile Hunter disc has six short featurettes that take viewers behind the scenes, providing insights into how those numerous wild (and dangerous) animals were made to appear cooperative on screen. There's also an interactive commentary track providing extra trivia titbits, as well as a fairly pointless photo gallery of still images. --Robert Burrow

The one positive point is the inclusion of lots of Stev’isms and Terri’isms to produce the occasional chuckle, but the hammy plot obliterates any viewing enjoyment.

Crickey mate, don't bother with this one, unless you’re a die-hard fan.


collision course   July 27, 2003
 8 out of 13 found this review helpful

simply amazing adventure. one of the most stupid films that i have watched for a while. the bloke is a nutter. what is he on, i want some. worth watching.....


Have a look at this!   January 20, 2003
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

Here is a movie that both adults and children can enjoy and even learn from. To some degree, the Crocodile Hunter movie is much like the Crocodile Hunter television series--Steve and Terri personally introduce us to some of the most misunderstood, wildly beautiful animals on the planet--crocodiles, venomous snakes, monstrous spiders, etc. The Irwins are basically in the middle of one of their typical outings into nature, rescuing an orphaned little kangaroo, getting snakes off the road and away from the danger of vehicles, and rescuing wild crocodiles who have come into too close contact with humans (actually, it is humans who have invaded crocodile territory). Interspersed throughout all this, though, the plot of this movie is developed. A very important little piece of spyware has been lost from an orbiting satellite over Queensland, Australia. Two competing factions within the CIA (who would have thunk it?) dispatch agents to recover the information at any cost. Meanwhile, a very disagreeable old woman in the Outback is trying to kill the crocodile threatening her cows; as fate would have it, this particular crocodile has swallowed the spyware the U.S. agents are after. Luckily, the Irwins come along and rescue the crocodile before the old lady can kill him. When they find the agents suddenly on their tail, they believe them to be poachers, and they go to great pains to ensure the safety of the long-suffering crocodile by transplanting him into another river system. The funniest part of the movie, in my opinion, was the conclusions drawn by the CIA about Steve Irwin. Citing the facts that Irwin had been in South America at the time of two coups, in Kenya at the time of the embassy bombing, and in East Timor soon after its civil war, they consider him to be some kind of dangerous criminal element.

I hope people won't interpret the making of this movie as an attempt by Steve Irwin to go Hollywood. The only reason the Irwins made this movie was to further increase awareness about the beauty of nature's wild creatures and to encourage any and all efforts at conservation of wildlife. This movie especially highlighted the dangers poachers continue to present for wildlife everywhere. Any fan of the TV series will certainly enjoy this movie as much as I did, and most likely some new Crocodile Hunters fans will be brought into the fold. This is certainly a movie parents will have no qualms about letting their children see, as it is more than appropriate for all audiences. The animals are quite real here, and there were quite real dangers involved in making this movie. As such, it is as educational as it is entertaining. The ending is a little weird, but enjoyably so; it is the message and not the plot that is important here. This isn't about Steve Irwin getting rich and famous; it is about saving the animals we share the planet with.


Crikey!   January 5, 2003
 12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Danger, danger!

There, I said it. I got the quotes out of my system. This is one film you'll be quoting forever, it's brill! The Crocodile Hunter is one of those movies that is so fun and visually interesting, it doesn't need a plot. Yes, the film's plot is bad, but I find it hard to criticise it because of that. The setting is vibrant and colourful, and the action never stops. Steve Irwin is, without a doubt, the most incredibly enthusiastic man on the planet, and he carries this film on his shoulders. He makes this film what it is. He's a good man, too, he's always making sure not to harm the animals, and make sure of their safety. Such a lively man, and a man so willing to throw himself into the path of poisonous snakes and spiders, pick them up, and say, "Hello little guy! How ya doin?" deserves a medal.

All the actors and actresses do a fine job, although Magda Szubanski, playin Brozzie Drewitt, especially stands out as the obnoxious, but hilarious, bad guy (girl). It is hard to realise the skill of the other actors, as Steve, Terri (his wife), and Brozzie are pretty much the only guys on screen at any given time.

The DVD has some nice extras, behind the scenes, etc. They really give you an insight into how real this guy is, and how all the animals he deals with are real.

All in all, great fun for all the family. One of my favourite films of the year.


Fair Dinkum!   November 19, 2002
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

I'm a big fan of Steve Irwin -he's one of those guys that you think is fantastic/mega brill or you just don't get him at all. Therefore, I loved Crocodile Hunter - Collision Course.
It's got all those classic 'Stevo' moments - grappling with some of the most dangerous/poisonous critters on the planet, classic 'Stevo' catchphrases - "Don't muck with it!", "This is where the flies drink from your eyeballs!" (Yes, honestly!!). All highly entertaining & fascinating stuff!
The DVD looks & sounds good with several behind the scenes featurettes, which are just as entertaining as the film. These go into more detail regarding filming with the snakes & the croc - see just how close Steve got to having his head chomped off...! You also get a neat 'Croc Track' feature - if you've ever seen 'Pop Up Video' on VH1, its a little similar, with facts about the film in funky shapes!!!
As far as I was concerned, the film didn't need the CIA agents storyline - Steve Irwin is the one who makes this film (with a generous nod to Terri his wife) & the story was a little hit & miss at times, but nevertheless, this DVD has gone onto my Christmas wish list.
If you love his TV programmes then go & get a copy at once, if you're not sure, rent before you buy. Whichever, you will be thoroughly entertained AND informed by Steve Irwin - the one and only Crocodile Hunter!