Despite being released at an inopportune time of year, Troll is a thrilling summer blockbuster that draws from Scandinavian folklore to deliver a Kaiju-style monster movie. Reminiscent of classic films like King Kong, Godzilla, and Independence Day, this Netflix Original seamlessly blends elements of humor, action, and suspense.
The movie showcases Norway's long-standing relationship with trolls, weaving this mythology into a fast-paced plot that follows a ragtag group of heroes who must unite to defeat a colossal creature wreaking havoc on the country. When an explosion in the Dovre mountains unleashes this behemoth on the rural landscape, the locals are thrown into chaos as the monster marches towards Oslo.
To save the country from certain destruction, paleobiology expert Nora Tidemann, Prime Minister's advisor Andreas Isaksen, and Captain Kris of the army must work together to find a solution before it's too late. However, Nora's estranged father Tobias, an expert on trolls and folklore, holds the key to understanding the monster's weaknesses. Can Nora put aside her differences with her father to stop the monster and save Norway?
Overall, Troll is a fun, action-packed film that masterfully combines elements of Scandinavian folklore with a modern blockbuster sensibility.
While Troll's story is fairly straightforward, the film's sense of mystery and tension dissipates once the creature is revealed midway through. From that point on, the movie becomes a classic action flick that brings to mind the tone and presentation of the 90's Godzilla movie.
Although the characters are all likable, they lack depth. Andreas experiences a simple but satisfying character arc, Nora and Tobias are the film's central figures, and Captain Kris adds some testosterone as the gum-chewing military man.
However, Troll suffers from questionable logic and a recycled plot. The film borrows scenes from other monster movies, including Godzilla, Jurassic Park, and King Kong. These sequences continue throughout the film, leaving viewers checking off the movies it riffs on during the 90-minute runtime.
If you stop to think about it, the logic of the film falls apart, and this can detract from your enjoyment. For instance, the lack of foreign government involvement is a significant issue, and the film doesn't provide a compelling conclusion for Kris.
Despite its flaws, Troll is a fun movie that's perfect for a summer cinema release. As it stands, it's a winter delight and a great way to pass an hour and a half with a bucket of popcorn.
