The rule of thumb for any movie is to provide the utmost in entertainment. How ones define what qualifies as entertainment varies greatly. For myself, I’m a sucker for disaster flicks, goofy action movies, outrageous comedies, and movies that get me on the edge of my seat. You could say that I have simple taste. For example, the recent flux of Norwegian movies have really impressed me. The Wave, The Quake, The Tunnel, and earlier this year, The Burning Sea have all been effective in their execution that they are just enthralling to watch.  

The latest film to helm from Norway is Troll, a monster flick disguised as a disaster film that’s inspired by the Norse mythology of Trolls. A classic tale of a monster being unearthed that results in the possible destruction of the inhabitants of the nearest town, the military somehow causing more damage than the monster itself, and of course, a group of people running all over the place to either understand the creature or aid in its destruction. This is a monster film that is simple, exciting, and reminds me of the glory days of those monster flicks that were either hated or beloved for their goofiness. Sure, Godzilla from 1998 was universally panned, but it was the ‘90s, and it was smirky fun. Troll is all that and much more exciting than the previous three Godzilla films from the largely underwhelming MonsterVerse.  

Taking place in Norway, the movie tells the story of how something from the mountains in the Dovre area emerged after an explosion from a drilling operation. Many construction workers and nearby protesters are killed after the mountain seemingly rises from the Earth to rain down large stones and debris. Even an elderly couple’s home is torn apart in one violent swoop, like a bomb dropping on the roof! The couple managed to survive but reported a strange sound before their home was torn apart. Sure, the Earth was rumbling, and the dog was barking, but perhaps a melody was heard in the distance.  

The Norwegian Government is quickly alerted after receiving reports of major seismic activity, something that no ordinary mountain blasting would cause. Large footprints are spotted from passing helicopters, and whatever emerged from the mountain is gone. Vanished without a trace, and no one to report what it is that they witnessed. The cast of characters are largely familiar to this film genre and are sadly cliched. You have the scientist named Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann), who specializes in studying fossils of all animals, her father Tobias (Gard B. Eidsvold), who first told her the folktale of the troll who now sports a wild man look and the Government sidekick Andreas (Kim Falck) who basically is there to direct the scientists on where to go. Check on all three!

Yep, you can guess already. There are scenes where the father and daughter argue over their past relationship. The Government wants to kill the troll without understanding it, the Government ignores the advice of the scientist that they sought out for help, and the monster makes quite the entrance. Standing several hundred feet tall and made of solid stone, he’s quite the sight. Another character to mention is Captain Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen), who initially wants to destroy the creature but later seeks advice from Nora and Tobias.  

Ok, the characters are done. What’s impressive is the special effects and the presentation of the troll. The creature isn’t hell-bent on destroying everything in its path. This story is rather simple. What I appreciated most about this movie is how the monster is presented. It’s something of awe to gaze at, and given that the filmmakers drew inspiration from Norse mythology, it makes for a different kind of monster movie. 

Directed by Roar Uthaug (The Wave & Tomb Raider), Troll is a fantastic movie to watch. Even though it’s a Netflix film, I would’ve loved to have seen this in theaters. From the impressive action sequences, the sweeping establishing shots, and even a fun set piece involving several helicopters, Troll is a cinematic-inspired treat for the eyes. 

The troll looks like Kratos in the face when he’s not pissed off but is the size of Kong, as seen in Kong: Skull Island when you fully see him. The movie even makes references to other classic monster movies such as King Kong, Godzilla, and even Jurassic Park. Troll blends the items into an exciting monster movie that focuses on character development (cliched, they may be) and a brief history to explain the mythology of the troll. This isn’t a cheap show to scare us with images and fill the screen with eye candy. We learn about the troll and his place in Norwegian history. It’s a monster movie that is surprisingly emotional, albeit filled with unusual character decisions and cheesy dialogue that belongs in the ‘80s. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly unique.  

Score 4 out of 5  

Troll benefits from respecting the Norse mythology of the title character and delivers the thrills of your typical monster disaster flick. Sure, the script is cliched, which is disappointing, but for what it is, Troll is a lot of fun. Like King Kong, the older Godzilla flicks, and some from the ‘90s, Troll knows exactly what it is and what it’s attempting to achieve. It’s entertaining, features spectacular special effects, and offers action sequences that you’ll want to rewatch again and again. Bravo to the Norwegians for this one! Give this one a chance.