Troll

There's a being hidden deep within the rocks, imprisoned in a craggy granite box, but progress has awakened, now the land is quaked and shaken, leaving everyone who sees a bit flummoxed. Not to worry, just keep calm and carry on, where there's danger we have guns and tanks and bombs, blow this unknown thing to bits, with some well aimed direct hits, then in no time, this fiend will be all gone. Alas persistence seems to be one of his keys, as the missiles fail to bring him to his knees, we shall strike a stronger blow, against this ogre of a foe, dispatch the nukes, and he'll be cast into the breeze.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale, reflects accurately the response of many when presented with difference and diversity, but also those who recognise its wonders.

IN A NUTSHELL: Deep inside the mountain of Dovre, Norway, something gigantic awakens after being trapped for a thousand years. Destroying everything in its path, the creature is fast approaching the capital of Norway, with city-dweller struggling to stop something they thought existed only in Norwegian folklore.

The adventure drama was written and directed by Roar Uthaug with writing help from Espen Aukan.

THINGS I LIKED: Netflix does a great job of exposing audiences to work created by directors and actors from around the world. I love that.

It's really fun to learn Norwegian lore about trolls.

For fans of the famous "Wilhelm Scream", you'll get a kick out of hearing it at the 47:13 mark.

Most Americans won't recognize any of these actors. I'm always happy to discover new actors around the globe.

Some of the special effects are pretty good.

It's really fun to "travel" to Norway and see the beautiful countryside. I would love to have seen even more shots of the gorgeous fjords and landscapes.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: I would have liked to see more trolls than just one.

Some of the plot points are pretty weak.

The dialogue is paper-thin and uninspired.

The father/daughter relationship adds an emotional level to the story, yet most viewers are saying they just wanted more action with the troll.

You can definitely see their attempt to include elements that make Hollywood monster movies so successful. Sometimes it works here, sometimes it doesn't.

I would love to have seen a scene that featured the rock climbers seeing the face of the troll, like it is featured on the Netflix ad.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: The movie is very family-friendly because the main troll isn't super scary.

The fighting is bloodless.

!

The reviewers here are funny... the 'top review'er apologizing because he's norwegian and is ashamed that this film is from Norway... then there's the 'average film with a lot of LOGIC flaws'...i am, seriously, laughing as i type this...but it's great that the reviewers can be as entertaining as the film, right? Why stop the entertainment with the end credits... but anyone approaching this expecting shakespeare, weeeelllllllll...okay, but we already know the answer to the 'to be or not to be', as far as this being 'realistic'... it's a paint by numbers, substitute a troll for Godzilla type of story. I was amazed at the similarities...beginning with the myth...the way to handle the situation...the 'humanizing' of the creature... pop some corn and have some fun, if it seems like you're in the mood for what you think this movie will be like...it's not badly done...it's just, somewhat, trite if you've seen the movies this was modeled after...

Not sure why people are dumping on this film with such vitriol, especially when so many American movies are guilty of similar transgressions. It's a fun monster movie in the Godzilla tradition. People fall all over themselves about the Jurassic Park movies and some others but dump on this? Hmm, I don't get the super-hate.

You can read the synopsis on the site, but it's your basic "Monster awakens from centuries-long sleep because of human 'progress' marching into its environment, monster goes nuts and goes on rampage, etc.".

While the film does borrow heavily from some American movies, there are much worse movies out there (insert any Transformer sequel here) that don't get the reaming. The special effects are decent and having a Troll was a pretty good angle as it's not the most used villain in a movie (at least an American movie). Take it for what it is- a comic book of a movie that's reminiscent of the old Rodan Vs Mothra type of stuff.

Watching this I thought it's just going to be your average monster action movie... and you know what? It is. So yeah it delivered that big monster itch.

Here's the thing however...is that the human aspect of this movie is not it. They're too campy and not in a good way. Just one dimensional. You got those authority figures who are stupid and one minded. The underdog main character who stomps on authority because they're brave that way who clearly knows more but isn't being listened to...etc. The set-up is just too obvious that any emotional deviation doesn't feel right because it's done in a shallow way.

The Troll had some backstory depth going for it but alas it's put on the backburner because this is ultimately a humans win movie. They wasted that plot and just went with the typical "Monster bad, must kill".

Would rate it 5.5 but rounding it up coz I like their depiction of the Troll. But anyway overall it's a good enough monster flick. The CGI is believable. Action wise, it's not as destructive and packed as like Pacific Rim for example, pretty tame tbh. Good for a weekend watch.