Genre: Thriller
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Plot: In 1898, an Irish engineer is tasked to build a bridge in Tsavo, Africa. His mission is hindered by a pair of lions that go on a killing spree, forcing him to team up with a gung-ho lion hunter to stop them.
The gist: The Ghost And The Darkness may be based on a true story, but there's a good chance some of the parts have been heavily fictionalised. Nevertheless, Stephen Hopkins manages to make his film an entertaining one.
Being set in mystical Africa is already an automatic advantage, since the country has great scenery and people. The plot of two lions, seemingly supernatural in nature terrorising the workers building the bridge, and the two men who must stop them, seems simplistic enough, but Hopkins keeps the pace steady and his lead characters interesting.
Michael Douglas as eccentric hunter Remington is a blast, but it's Val Kilmer who gets more screen time as the engineer Patterson, and ultimately the more heroic and human of the two. They make a great team on screen. John Kani provides some solid support as Patterson's assistant, Samuel.
The good: As mentioned, the scenery, the leads and Hopkins' direction.
The bad: The climax lacked some genuine thrills and feels a bit rushed. Douglas' character also seemed too bombastic at times, making it hard for the viewer to believe in him.
Verdict: It's not without flaws, but it's rather entertaining, even if you'd feel the film merely exaggerates the facts. (3.5/5)
