Lake Placid: The Final Chapter

It is, by no means, a movie I would refer to as "great", but, compared to the other "Lake Placid" sequels, this is, indeed, a significant improvement.

I liked the original with Jane Fonda; that's why I kept watching the sequels, but, up until now, the sequels have been simply horrendous. Perhaps, that's the reason why I actually liked this one; it was a significant upgrade from the previous sequels.

Yancy Butler was, of course, the highlight of the movie. I don't think it would've been worth watching without her.

I thought the main downside was the fact that the movie lacked the subtlety of the original. This one was clearly going for more action and more gore. And that was a mistake if you ask me.

Also, I'm not sure why they called it "The Final Chapter" as the ending suggests a potential sequel.

To summarize: A below-average movie if viewed by itself. If, however, you watch it having seen other "Lake Placid" sequels, you will be pleased to find that this is basically the only sequel that's watchable.

I highly enjoyed the first film, it was a lot of fun and I loved Betty White in it. I on the other hand hated the second film and while the third film was a step up I didn't think much of that either. Lake Placid: The Final Chapter is not as good as the first, but considering as I was prepared to hate it it was the best of the three movies following. The film by all means is not perfect, the film does start off rather slow with no signs of the crocodiles until about 35 minutes in. And while we are waiting we do have some sluggish pacing and two romances that in all honesty I was left indifferent to. Some of the effects on the crocodiles at times do look less than brilliant as well, but I have seen much worse. Problems aside, Lake Placid: The Final Chapter is actually one of SyFy's more tolerable movies of late. The crocodiles are actually quite menacing, and their attacks are very gory and nail-biting with lots of chopped off heads, ripped out limbs and tearing people to pieces. Not for the squeamish, but those who are looking for this as part of the entertainment will not be disappointed. The film does look decent too, with atmospheric scenery and the editing is already an improvement over most SyFy movies in terms of quality. The score is intense, and the script is surprisingly fun, the one-liners are witty and the exchanges are humorous. I also liked that some scenes were hilarious, the scene where a crocodile is beaten to death with a gun is very silly but not to the point that you are left frustrated. The story is more than decent too, it doesn't feel like a rehash, after the 35 minute mark it never gets dull, and while predictable in places it makes up for it in spirit and suspenseful atmosphere. The characters are clichéd in a way, the Sheriff character is one that I have seen one too many times, but actually are much more likable than the usual SyFy character. This is helped by the better-than-average acting, especially from Robert Englund and Yancy Butler. So overall, not a great movie but when it comes to SyFy Lake Placid: The Final Chapter even with its foibles is one of their better overall movies. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Stumbled upon this cinematic gem this morning by chance and was I pleasantly surprised. The effects were absolutely horrible when it came to the crocs but in a good way. I imagine this would have aired on SCIFI aside from the profanity and brief nudity. Overall I would recommend if you got some time to kill or find your insomnia acting up.

At the end of the third film we are left to assume the feisty "cougar" Reba is dead- This is not the case. The fourth film opens with her having survived the attack and now working with the local authorities to contain the vicious reptiles. Enter the new sheriff of the city, her daughter and a ruthless, out for himself poacher played by Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame.

This film is better than the standard SyFy fare, and as for the franchise better than parts 2 and 3. Yancy Butler is once again an entertaining and ass kicking force. If you suffered through the last 2 sequels then give this one a chance because as far as entertainment value goes it's way beyond the previous offerings (except of course the first.)

The Black Lake is isolated from the local inhabitants by an electric barrier built by the Army engineers. The engineer Ryan Loflin (Paul Nicholls) and his son Max (Benedict Smith) are working in the protection barrier and Sheriff Theresa Giove (Elisabeth Röhm) is trying to exterminate the crocodiles from the lake working with the former poacher Reba (Yancy Butler). When the sheriff's daughter Chloe (Poppy Lee Friar) accepts the invitation of her schoolmates to go to a camping party by the lake, the reckless driver does not pay attention on the road, crosses the gate and mistakenly stops by the Black Lake. Meanwhile a group of poachers led by the hunter Jim Bickerman (Robert Englund) also trespass the gate to hunt crocodiles and seek worthy crocodile eggs. Soon they are attacked by giant crocodiles.

"Lake Placid: The Final Chapter" is a TV Movie with lame effects and a very funny story. Yancy Butler is awful in the role of the non- charismatic Reba. The cast has names such as Robert Englund) and Elisabeth Röhm. Despite the reference to the final chapter, the conclusion seems to indicate a possible sequel of the franchise.My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "Pânico no Lago: O Capítulo Final" ("Panic in the Lake: The Final Chapter")