I watched this last night because the DVD had a cool looking cover. I know, not the best of reasons to pick something but I've been slowly becoming a fan of Jim Cavasil's work in the past few months (I had a PASSION grudge that was very difficult to get over) and thought I'd give it a shot, especially since it promised Viking William Hurt and Ron Perlman.
All in all it seemed like it had a good concept but it was hurt by cheap special effects and slightly dodgey story telling. I checked the special features and there are a million and one deleted scenes, most of which would have helped to flesh out the story. I also briefly turned on the commentary track (no idea why) according to the director they were all cut out for "pacing". Weird, I think that the pacing of the film was rushed and jumpy! I guess that's what he was going for?
All in all it had some good moments, and a few shots where the clever creature design (The monster looks like the lizard panther from AVATAR only more bioluminescent) allowed for some interesting kills and scares, but when it was over it felt like they should have waited to make the film till they got some real funding. The scope always felt too small to live up to the "BEOWULF + PREDATOR" pull quote on the cover
Jim Cavasil once again impressed me but he at times seemed a bit adrift and unfocused, but I think that's the fault of the script. He is just kind of ... there.. in alot of scenes, without an emotion to play or something to do
Perlman was good but barely in the film, and his best moment was his inexplicably underwhelming death.
PS I've decided that if Cavasil stars in one more film in which I enjoy his performance I will learn how to spell his name correctly
