Sue (Linda Kozlowski) is a reporter from New York who has heard rumours of a crocodile hunter in a small Australian town called Walkabout Creek. It is rumoured that a massive crocodile recently attacked the hunter, and after being bitten on his leg, he managed to crawl back to his home community. Intrigued by this crocodile hunter and eager to learn more about his encounters with the enormous crocodile, Sue is convinced that this story will make a fantastic article for her newspaper.
As Sue arrives by helicopter and enters the local pub, she immediately notices how different Walkabout Creek is from New York, especially the locals. Shortly after her arrival, she is introduced to Michael, known as Mick Dundee, played by Paul Hogan. Sue feels less than impressed and somewhat uncomfortable during their first interactions, particularly when Mick walks into the pub with a large, completely stuffed crocodile. After a discussion and a hefty fee exchange, Mick agrees to take Sue on a trek to the spot where he was attacked. As Sue gets to know Mick, she discovers there is more to him than just being a cheeky man with gaps in his stories. In fact, Mick is a skilled hunter and has a charming personality. An unexpected romance blossoms between the two.

Mick’s life takes an unexpected turn when Sue invites him back to New York to help continue promoting her story. However, living in New York presents its own challenges for him. The city is vastly different from anything Mick has ever experienced. He soon discovers that Sue is currently in a relationship, which adds even more complexity to his new life.

Crocodile Dundee was directed by Peter Faiman, who also directed the comedy Dutch, also known as Driving Me Crazy in Australia. Crocodile Dundee is an Australian cult classic, blending elements of comedy and romance with minor aspects of adventure. For those who may not know, Paul Hogan came up with the original story, and the screenplay was co-written by Hogan, John Cornell, and Ken Shadie. I must confess that I have a deep nostalgia for everything related to Crocodile Dundee. I watched the film countless times as a child, and what I loved about it then still resonates with me after seeing the newest version, titled Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut.
Every actor on-screen delivers a likable presence when it comes to the characters in the film, especially the lead character, Mick Dundee, portrayed brilliantly by Paul Hogan. In Australian terms, Mick Dundee is a cheeky fellow, but it’s also clear that he is quite knowledgeable. I have always adored the contrast between the Australian outback and the vibrant lifestyle of New York. The film beautifully showcases both locations, particularly Australia, while allowing the two main characters to make new discoveries about their environments. Amidst this exploration, a touching romance unfolds. The musical score by Peter Best is a significant highlight of the film; to this day, I find it emotionally impactful, especially during the final act.

I’m pleased to share that Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut has been fully restored and repaired from the original film reels. The new restoration includes a few minor edits and additions that make it more suitable for today’s standards. One of the removed scenes featured Mick at a dinner party, and the film now opens with an acknowledgment of country, along with a touching tribute to John Cornell at the end of the credits. These changes are all minor, and I’m excited to say that the primary story and all essential elements remain unaffected. The incredible restoration is evident from the start. As someone who has watched the original multiple times, I can confidently say that this release is fantastic and highly recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience revisiting a film that holds deep personal nostalgia for me, featuring iconic characters that are etched in Australian history, especially Mick Dundee. The results of the restoration process are outstanding and impressive. Watching this film on a big screen will be a rewarding experience for both long-time fans and newcomers eager to witness one of the greatest—if not the best—Australian films ever made. Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut includes some edits, particularly to one scene, as well as a few minor additions, such as country acknowledgments before the film and a heartfelt dedication to John Cornell. However, these changes do not affect the main plot, the heartfelt romance, the outrageous comedic moments, the brilliant emotional soundtrack, or the classic one-liners that many fans continue to quote. For many viewers, including myself, these alterations feel minor, and my love for this film remains unchanged. In conclusion, Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut is a welcome upgrade. It’s a delightful experience watching the film in such premium quality. As movie lovers, we are truly blessed to get such an entertaining film cleaned up for a new generation.
Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut (2025) is available in Australian Cinemas from May 8th!


Published: 3rd May 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden

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