It should be painfully obvious that nothing can beat "Jaws" at it's own game, but there were quite a few movies that tried to cash in on it's formula. "The Great Alligator" is no exception, although this one stands it's own just fine. Directed by Sergio Martino, it does lead one to have higher hopes however, as his gialli "Torso", "Your Vice..." and "Strange Vice..." are influential masterpieces of the genre.
An angry god of a native tribe materializes himself as a giant alligator and starts picking off tourists that have angered him on his island. Simple, but effective. Martino does a good job of showcasing the locale, and with certain cuts and effects creates the hazy, slightly surreal and jovial tone that one would feel while vacationing in such an oasis. Barbara Bach is a welcome addition to feast the eyes on, but sadly does not get naked. Of course, you have your typical two faced character protecting his money, but he reaches a just demise. The scene with the natives on shore and the alligator in the water is awesome as the tourists are caught in between, many of them being killed (and I do mean MANY).
I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it also takes quite a bit from "Jaws". Some people on here have mentioned how "cheesy" the gator looks, but if you are watching this you can't be expecting much, can you? I think he looks just fine, and the scenes where it shows just his eyeball are legitimately a little chilling. Overall, "The Great Alligator" is a fun watch, boasting a high body count, beautiful scenery and entertaining minor characters.
An angry god of a native tribe materializes himself as a giant alligator and starts picking off tourists that have angered him on his island. Simple, but effective. Martino does a good job of showcasing the locale, and with certain cuts and effects creates the hazy, slightly surreal and jovial tone that one would feel while vacationing in such an oasis. Barbara Bach is a welcome addition to feast the eyes on, but sadly does not get naked. Of course, you have your typical two faced character protecting his money, but he reaches a just demise. The scene with the natives on shore and the alligator in the water is awesome as the tourists are caught in between, many of them being killed (and I do mean MANY).
I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it also takes quite a bit from "Jaws". Some people on here have mentioned how "cheesy" the gator looks, but if you are watching this you can't be expecting much, can you? I think he looks just fine, and the scenes where it shows just his eyeball are legitimately a little chilling. Overall, "The Great Alligator" is a fun watch, boasting a high body count, beautiful scenery and entertaining minor characters.