A hurricane is ravaging Louisiana with wild storms, rain, and flooding. People within the community are advised to leave the area as best as possible; however, we soon see firsthand that escaping or trying to stay dry and remain safe is not easy. We witness a struggling pair of strangers working together as they have managed to find somewhere to hold up until the storm passes. Despite nailing the doors and windows shut, the winds are too strong. But on top of these challenges, the pair soon discover they are not alone. An enormous crocodile has invited itself inside.
Next, we are introduced to a group of prisoners in transit on a bus. The group of criminals- in for hate crimes, robberies, vandalism, drug trafficking, murder, you name it- include Russell Cody (Casper Van Dien), a cop killer sentenced to life without parole. While driving in the hurricane, the drivers struggle to see the road through the heavy rain and soon have to change the route. Sheriff Jo Newman (Nicky Whelan) is displeased to hear the news that she is about to receive a busload of criminals. She is currently dealing with her own challenges, such as flood waters. The bus and an armoured team led by a dangerous man named Rafe (Louis Mandylor) arrive, but what’s worse is that large crocodiles from the roof have also entered the building. Now, law officers, criminals and a skilled armed team must come together to survive the storm and multiple crocodiles who all crave fresh meat.
The Flood is a mixed genre of action, thriller, and horror. As you may have already guessed, The Flood has a similar plot outline to Assault on Precent 13 with an added dash of some killer crocodiles. The concept of a film like Assault on Precinct 13 with crocodiles will appeal to some viewers, and some key actors have fun, entertaining moments, particularly Casper Van Dien and Louis Mandylor. The music by Randy Kalsi has appropriate and fitting moments, and the location and setting for most of the film are also pleasing.
However, despite these praises, The Flood disappoints. Firstly, the film is highly predictable, as are the outcomes of many scenes. Character deaths are forgettable, drawn out and are not impacting. Audiences know what’s coming for these characters long before it happens. Dialogue is another disappointment, and feels simple-minded, childish, and dull. Most importantly, the CGI lets this film down. The crocodiles on-screen are never scary or truly menacing because they look fake. For some viewers, the CGI will be a put-off; some may say it’s impossible to watch and call it a significant frustration. Lastly, fans of Nicky Whelan will be disappointed. Her character could have been more enjoyable if it had been more fleshed out and had suitable dialogue.
Overall, a film with the same concept as Assault on Precinct 13 with some killer crocodiles thrown in sounds fantastic; however, The Flood is disappointing. There are some fun moments from actors Casper Van Dien and Louis Mandylor and a fitting music score. The film is highly predictable from the start and the dialogue lacks excitement and feels simple-minded. As for the crocodiles, the CGI cheapens the entire feature and, in return, steals away scares, thrills and any form of realism for horror lovers.
The Flood (2023) is Available on DVD & Digital from August 9th!
3.4/10
30th July 2023
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
PODCASTS ARE AVAILABLE!
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