Troll provides plenty of formulaic fun
The Norwegian movie apparently sweeping across the screens of countless Netflix viewers is low on originality but high on Kaiju fun.
Troll is a bit of a Kong or Godzilla-esque origin story but steeped in Norwegian folklore and mythology. The movie even becomes self-referential at points with characters asking if this is a giant ape or Norway’s own Godzilla.
The story opens up with a father and daughter sharing tales of the mythology of trolls. It is later revealed that 20 years into the future, this young girl, Nora, becomes a paleontologist and her father becomes a maligned folklore extremist.
However, when the troll emerges, it is up to Nora and her father to unravel the secrets of the troll and save Norway.
There are plenty of cookie cutter characters who play a part in the story – the political naysayer, the sympathetic military man, and the like minded-man in the middle. Each plays a role in the ultimate outcome, but the movie is really about the troll.
Much like the many variations of King Kong, Troll attempts to create a sympathetic monster who displays more humanity than, well, the humans.
The visual effects are very strong without ever really feeling like a cheap ripoff. In fact, they stay within the realm of believability most of the time.
Ultimately, Troll does not achieve at the highest levels, but it does so just enough to remain interesting and engaging. In fact, sign me up for Troll 2.
Ed’s Grade: C+
