Crocodile Dundee (1986), PG-13, 1 hr 37 min

Crocodile Dundee
Runtime: 97 minutes
Rating/Parental Guidance: PG-13
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Franchise: Crocodile Dundee
Franchise Position: 1 (original film)

Runtime in minutes: 97

Tagline
Out of the wild and into the city comes the man who’s taking New York by storm.



Ratings
My rating: 6.8 out of 10
The Dove Foundation rating: N/A
IMDb rating: 6.8/10 
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 74% 
Metacritics rating: 63/100 

Plot Summary
Michael “Crocodile” Dundee, a rugged Australian bushman, becomes the subject of a New York journalist’s story. Sue Charlton travels to the Australian Outback to interview him and invites him back to New York City. There, Dundee’s wilderness skills and straightforward nature create amusing cultural clashes as he adapts to urban life. A blend of humor, romance, and adventure follows as Dundee confronts city dangers in his own unique way.

Critics Review
Critics praised Crocodile Dundee for its fresh and lighthearted take on the “fish out of water” comedy, combining charm, humor, and action. Paul Hogan’s performance was widely appreciated for bringing authentic Australian character and wit. While some critics found the plot formulaic, the movie’s good-natured humor and scenic shots of the Australian Outback and New York City won over audiences worldwide. The film became a sleeper hit and cultural phenomenon, inspiring sequels and cementing its place as an iconic 80s comedy.

Christian Perspective
The film portrays positive values such as kindness, respect for nature, humility, and integrity. Dundee’s honest and goodhearted nature stands in contrast to some of the more cynical city characters. While not overtly religious, the movie highlights themes of genuine friendship and respect for others, aligning well with Christian values of love, grace, and simplicity of character. There is no objectionable language or behavior that conflicts with family or Christian standards.

Family Friendliness
Rated PG-13 primarily for mild language and some thematic elements, Crocodile Dundee is generally family-friendly and suitable for teens and older children. Its humor is light and inoffensive, and the film avoids excessive violence or adult content. The movie encourages wholesome values such as respect, courage, and honesty, making it a safe and entertaining choice for family movie night.

Notable Scenes
Dundee wrestling a crocodile in the Outback, showing his fearlessness and skill

Dundee’s first walk through New York’s Times Square, overwhelmed and amazed by the city’s hustle

The famous scene where Dundee confronts a mugger with the line, “That’s not a knife... that’s a knife.”

Dundee teaching Sue survival skills in the wilderness

Romantic moments between Dundee and Sue, highlighting their growing connection

Notable Quotes
“That’s not a knife... that’s a knife.” – Michael “Crocodile” Dundee

“Now, that’s a knife.” – Michael “Crocodile” Dundee

“You call that a knife? This is a knife.” – Michael “Crocodile” Dundee

“What’s the story, mate?” – Michael “Crocodile” Dundee

“You’re not in Kansas anymore.” – Sue Charlton

Trivia
Paul Hogan co-wrote the screenplay and starred as the title character

The film was shot on location in Australia and New York City

It became the second highest-grossing film in the US in 1986, behind Top Gun

The character of Crocodile Dundee was inspired by real-life Australian bushman Rod Ansell

The iconic “That’s not a knife” line was improvised by Paul Hogan during filming

The film boosted Australian tourism significantly after its release

Goofs / Continuity Errors
Dundee’s knife appears differently in some scenes, switching between different knives without explanation

The timeline of events is occasionally inconsistent, especially between the Australian and New York scenes

Some background props and extras in New York scenes are anachronistic for the 1980s

Minor audio mismatches in a few scenes where dialogue and lip movement are out of sync

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