The likable Paul Hogan earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay to the 80's hit Crocodile Dundee. A few years later, he followed it up with the equally entertaining sequel. The follow up was very successful, but Hogan stated that would be it for the lovable Aussie. Of course in the world of film, never say never. It's been nearly fifteen years since Dundee graced the screen, and for what ever reason, the adventurer
returns in Crocodile Dundee in L.A.

It's been a long time since his journey to New York. Aside from being a bit domesticated, Dundee hasn't changed much. He lives in the Outback with girlfriend Sue (Linda Kozlowski) and their young son (Serge Cockburn), where he passes the time wrestling crocodiles and
entertaining the tourists. Sue is offered a temporary job on a movie set in Hollywood where she tries to solve a mystery. Naturally, Dundee comes along for the ride, and we're treated to yet another fish-out-of-water tale.

Unlike the first two pictures (which split screen time in both Australia
and New York), this installment spends most of it's time (about 80%) in
the wonderful world of L.A. where our fearless hero learns that studio
execs can be far more ruthless then the crocs back home.

Crocodile Dundee in L.A. certainly feels dated. Hogan still has that charm, but this film is so chalk full of dumb jokes and uninteresting
situations, that the charm never seems to shine through. Perhaps Hogan should have been involved in the screenwriting process. The film does have a few bright moments, but for the most part, the magic of the first two pictures is sorely lacking. This is a cash cow that obviously coasts by on it's name alone. And while this movie is no where near as bad as say...Beverly Hills Cop III, it's hardly a worthy sequel. I guess it seemed like an amusing idea to throw Dundee in the world of Hollywood types, but dumb industry jokes and uninspired cameos by George Hamilton and Mike Tyson just don't cut it. Also lacking, is an explanation for the disappearance of supporting player Wally from the first two films. We get a small appearance by Donk, but Wally is nowhere to be found.

Aside from the Crocodile Dundee franchise, Hogan hasn't had a very prosperous film career (see Almost an Angel, Lightening Jack, and
Flipper). Unfortunately, Dundee in L.A. doesn't look to bring him out of that funk. One thing that can be said about this film, it that it isn't offensive. It aspires to be good natured fun, and it is a picture that the whole family can go to. I must confess that I was a bit excited to see this film. Crocodile Dundee is a fun character and one of those endearing films that really reminds me of the 80's. And while not a total croc, Dundee in L.A. is a tired comedy and a sequel that never should have been made.