Blu-ray Review: Crocodile Dundee Trilogy

Synopsis: 
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
A New York reporter heads to Australia to interview the living legend Mike Dundee (Paul Hogan). When she finally locates him, she is so taken with him that she brings him back with her to New York. In New York, Mike Dundee is amazed by the wonders of the city and the interesting people there.

Crocodile Dundee II (1988)
Mick "Crocodile" Dundee (Paul Hogan) is settling into his new Manhattan home when a South American drug dealer (Hechter Ubarry) abducts his girlfriend, Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski). The drug dealer thinks images of his criminal activities, taken by Sue's photographer ex-husband, are now in her hands. The dealer takes Sue to Colombia and threatens her, hoping that she'll give up the evidence. But intrepid Dundee, aiming to rescue Sue, is soon on the criminal's trail.

Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001)
Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) is an adventurer in the truest sense. He is an ace crocodile hunter who lives in the wilds of the Australian Outback. He has even survived the dangers of New York City. However, his latest adventure may be the biggest test for him yet. Mick Dundee is traveling to that bizarre netherworld - Los Angeles, California.

Main Features: Yes, I like these films. Well, the first two. Yes, even the second Crocodile Dundee film is fun despite its preposterous plot. The first appears now to be a fluke, at not only it's success but how good it was. Sure, it was a gimmick that would only last so long, with a lead certainly aimed for limited, stereotyped stardom. Paul Hogan didn't give up though, and he clearly likes the role. The first is definitely a fish-out-of-water tale inspired by real-life cattle grazer Rod Ansell, who found himself stranded for over 50 days in the Australian "bush" without food or supplies (read up on his life, by the way--tragically interesting). Hogan claims he came up with the idea on his own, but who knows. Regardless, he found success with the character. The first film is the definitive classic, a time capsule of the 80s mindset. Second, is a clear continuation of the gimmick, into an area of story that is far-fetched, but then again, isn't the origin of the character exactly that? Honestly, this is the first time seeing part three. I had skipped since it came out due to the fact it was a clear cash grab for Hogan (he was getting pursued by tax agencies in the US and Australia for tax evasion), and it's clear this is such a subpar entry, even by comparison to part two. So much time had passed that the gimmick had run it's course, and Hogan didn't seem to be into it fully. Still, nothing but delight for the first two. Hogan was made to play Mick Dundee.

Bonus Features: Extras amount to one: a sheet with digital codes for the individual films.

Final Call: The Crocodile Dundee trilogy certainly is a mixed bag and proof that a character gimmick does not translate (or warrant) to future success, the Blu-ray debut reminding us how much of a crock it ended.

Grade: C-