It arrived on our shores, and seemingly onto every video store shelf, like a sun-drenched postcard from a land most of us only knew from nature documentaries. 1986's Crocodile Dundee wasn't just a movie; it was a genuine cultural phenomenon, an unexpected blast of Aussie charm that took the world completely by surprise. Who knew that a low-budget comedy about a bushman visiting New York City, spearheaded by a star largely unknown outside his home country, would become a global sensation? Yet, somehow, it felt perfectly timed, a feel-good antidote arriving just when we needed it.
### G'Day From the Never Never
Right from the opening scenes, the film plunges us into the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. Director Peter Faiman, primarily known for TV work before this massive success, captures the vastness and unique character of the landscape, making it almost a character itself. We meet Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, played with effortless charisma by Paul Hogan, who also co-wrote the script alongside Ken Shadie and John Cornell. Hogan wasn't just playing a role; he was Mick Dundee. His easy grin, weathered face, and knack for understatement immediately drew you in. He's introduced through the eyes of Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), a sharp American journalist initially skeptical of the legendary tales surrounding him. Their early interactions, navigating croc-infested waters and campfire conversations under starry skies, establish a chemistry that feels utterly genuine – famously blossoming into a real-life romance between the actors. We also get the wonderful John Meillon as Wally Reilly, Mick's affable business partner, delivering lines with perfect Outback timing. Remember his introduction of Mick? Pure gold.
### A Bushman In the Big Apple
The film cleverly splits its time, first establishing Mick's domain and then throwing him completely out of his element into the urban jungle of New York City. This fish-out-of-water setup is where Crocodile Dundee truly mines its comedic gold. The humor isn't mean-spirited; it stems from Mick's guileless reactions to the absurdity of modern city life – bidets, escalators, crowded streets, and socialites are all met with the same laconic curiosity. His straightforward, often surprisingly effective, solutions to city problems (like dispersing a crowd or dealing with a mugger) highlight a different kind of intelligence, one honed by survival, not sophistication. It’s this contrast that fuels the film's charm. Sue acts as our guide, and Kozlowski plays her perfectly, evolving from detached reporter to someone genuinely captivated by Mick's unique worldview. Their developing relationship feels earned, a sweet counterpoint to the comedic antics.
### That's Not a Knife... That's a Phenomenon
Let's talk about just how huge this film was. Made on a relatively modest budget (around AUD $8.8 million, roughly USD $6-7 million back then), Crocodile Dundee became an absolute box office juggernaut, pulling in a staggering $328 million worldwide. In the US alone, it grossed over $174 million, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1986, right behind Top Gun. Not bad for a film conceived by Paul Hogan partly as a way to create an Australian folk hero the world could embrace! Hogan, already a massive TV comedy star down under, reportedly drew inspiration from the real-life stories of Rod Ansell, a bushman whose survival story made headlines. The script, meticulously crafted by Hogan, Shadie, and Cornell, was explicitly designed to appeal to American audiences, translating Aussie humor and slang just enough to be universally understood. It clearly worked, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and winning Hogan a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The famous line, "That's not a knife... that's a knife," instantly entered the pop culture lexicon, becoming one of the most quotable movie lines of the decade. It’s a testament to the film’s sharp writing and Hogan’s perfect delivery. Filming across two continents, from the wilds of Kakadu National Park (posing some interesting challenges, like wrangling actual water buffalo!) to the bustling streets of Manhattan, gave the film its distinctive visual contrast.
### Still Got That Outback Magic?
Watching Crocodile Dundee today is like revisiting an old friend. Sure, some elements feel distinctly '80s – the fashion, the synth touches in Peter Best's score – but the core appeal remains remarkably intact. It's the sheer, unpretentious likability of Paul Hogan's Mick, the gentle humor derived from cultural misunderstandings rather than cynicism, and the simple, effective storytelling. It tapped into a desire for uncomplicated heroes and good-natured adventure. We all kind of fell in love with Mick's easy confidence and Sue's journey alongside him. The film spawned a couple of sequels (Crocodile Dundee II in 1988, and the much later Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles in 2001), but neither quite recaptured the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original. It remains a standout example of how charm, wit, and a unique premise can conquer the world. For many, it was also a cinematic introduction to Australia, arguably doing more for tourism than any official campaign could – even if the "shrimp on the barbie" line became a bit of a caricature!
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
Why the 8? Crocodile Dundee is pure, unadulterated cinematic comfort food. It’s effortlessly charming, genuinely funny, and features an iconic performance from Paul Hogan. Its fish-out-of-water premise is executed brilliantly, and the chemistry between Hogan and Kozlowski is undeniable. It might not be deep or complex, and some aspects are certainly dated, but its massive success and enduring appeal speak volumes. It delivered exactly what it promised: a heartwarming, often hilarious adventure with a hero you couldn't help but root for.
It remains a delightful time capsule, a reminder of when a simple story, told well and with immense heart, could unexpectedly charm the entire planet. Now, who fancies putting another shrimp on the barbie?