The original: 

Crocodile Dundee trilogy (1986, '88, '01)

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Directed by: 

Peter Faiman, John Cornell and Simon Wincer

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Starring: 

Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon; with David Gulpilil, Steve Rackman, Gerry Skilton, Mark Blum, Michael Lombard, Reginald VelJohnson, Maggie Blinco, Charles S. Dutton and Jonathan Banks

 

When New York journalist Sue Charlton (Kozlowski) heads to rural Australia to interview self-proclaimed local legend Michael J. ‘Crocodile’ Dundee (Hogan), she finds it’s not just the wildlife that’s bitten off more than it can chew, with run-ins with rowdy locals,  kangaroo shooters, inquisitive Aboriginals and a very hungry crocodile- all the while slowly bonding with and soon falling for Dundee himself, who is not just a loud mouthed braggart, but a loud-mouthed gentleman, adventurer, poacher and animal whisperer.

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Their fish out of water relationship flips as Sue takes Mick back to take a bite out of the Big Apple, where he clashes with jealous boyfriends, switchblade wielding muggers and bullied hotdog sellers.

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It may surprise some just how well made Crocodile Dundee is, with multiple scenes expertly constructed to deliver the ultimate emotional payoff throughout the slight running time. Added to this a genuinely superb and affecting soundtrack, the film delights from start to finish.

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Stuffed to the back teeth with iconic lines and moments, it has dated horribly in some ways, while remaining timeless in others, proving to be a crowd-pleasing romp, a snappy comedy and a surprisingly tender romance, all at once.

The relationship between leads is believable, touching and adorable, with Mick remaining likeable throughout, a credit to Hogan’s performance and natural charisma.

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Two sequels followed, seemingly forgetting what made the first film so enjoyable, but both having at least two or three genuinely funny moments and exciting run-ins, with Mick remaining a consistently likeable hero who you want to root for.

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So sharpen that knife, don that hat and open wide- this one’s got teeth.

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Mick- “That’s not a knife… That’s a knife!”

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Sue- “That croc was going to eat me alive.”

Mick- “Well, I wouldn’t hold that against him. Same thought crossed my mind once or twice.”

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Mick (brandishing a stuffed crocodile)- “Two beers, Ida. One for me, and one for me mate!”

 

Dorris- “Tell me, Sue, what is Mick like in bed?”

Sue- “I dunno, he still sleeps on the floor.”

 

Mick- “Now I know why they call LA ‘The city on wheels’. They don’t even get out of the car to mug ya.”