Reviews

This final Critters movie changes a lot of what has been the formula for the three first. Where 1, 2 and 3 relied on humour and gore with the occasional scare, this last movie instead goes for a dark and for the most part serious mood. It rips off the original Alien, which kind of works at times, but the silly presence of the crites ruins the otherwise gloomy feeling. The film had been better by sticking to one atmosphere, and not both.

Ola Solum's 1990 film is based on aclaimed Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun's 1927 novel of the same name.

The film is set in Norway in the mid 1800s, and it followes the young adult Edevart (played by Trond P. S. Munch) and his journey from the tiny village of Polden in the Norhern part of Norway to eventually the promised land of America.

His journey, both physically and mentally, is helped along by the mysterious August, part adventurer, con man and tramp. The latter disappears from the story for different lenght of times, but always reappears.

Solum's film shows the diversity of life in Norway during this time. It is beautifully shot, with locations from Hamarøy to Vagsøy. Munch plays the protagonist charismatic and believable. The story of Edevart and Lovise Margrete really makes hou take part in their relationship and feel. Parts of the soundtrack are excellent.

Helge Jordal does a memorable job of playing August, although he overplays at times. I also feel that a lot of the characters are not so believable, and it's difficult to understand the choices they make and their reactions throughout the film. The dialogue, or more how things are expressed, is typically Norwegian theatre 1980s style. Overdramatic.

But regardless of the flaws, this is a nice part of Norwegian cinema.

A clever way of combining both the documentary and a feature movie. The camera observing the characters from a short distance, sometimes intruding. Munch often looking blankly at us viewers, making us share his pain. The movie is really ahead of its time, even though the narrator part feels a little bit dated.

Everything is mixed up. Pictures and scenes reappear and blend into each other. Sound from one scene continues into the next. It feels like a collage, probably recreating Munch's fleeting thoughts and feelings.

It's interesting getting the origin to Munch's pictures and how frowned upon he was in his time. A great delve into one of the greatest artist there's been.

Really enjoyed the first hour and half, where the movie had a strong Tarantino feel. Interesting characters and a surprising plot. Sadly I felt the arrival of Chris Hemsworth and the last 45 minutes flattened the movie. A greater finale would have given the movie a better score. But all inn all a good viewing.