CREATURE COMFORTS – or – HA! I saw a free preview of ANACONDAS!

I have a special place reserved deep down in the darkest recesses of my black little heart for unpretentious, formulaic creature features like ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID. Although I suppose it’s not really their intended purpose, I find myself calmed and charmed by them. For me, they provide a cinematic experience akin to listening to white noise or eating a bowl full of well-blended mashed potatoes – not particularly interesting, but soothing nonetheless. The characters in these films are like old friends: the wacky, frightened sidekick, the strong, willful female, the hardened, experienced leader, the tragically flawed zealot, etc.; we know what to expect from them (and we know the ones we like are likely to survive). Also, the message of such films is never too harsh or preachy. Typically the audience is warned against the dangers of excess – science, technology and ambition can be good things but only in moderation – and since no one is going to waste their breath contesting that, we remain unchallenged. Most importantly, perhaps, is that one never expects too much of films like these, and because of this, one is rarely disappointed.

It’s hard to stay mad at unambitious eye-candy like ANACONDAS. So if you, like me, occasionally enjoy putting your mind on autopilot, then take a trip down Formula Lane and indulge yourself with ANACONDAS – there’s a monkey in it!

PS - I especially recommend seeing it for free! -AVS