Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (PG-13, 2004)

In ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID, horticulturists Gordon (Morris Chestnut) and Jack (Matthew Marsden) identify a rare orchid that only blossoms every seven years and is rumored to hold the secret to eternal life. Gordon and Jack receive funding for an expedition from a corporation that Gail (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), an uptight, know-it-all, represents. With a research team and guide, Gordon and Gail set out into the jungle to retrieve samples of this magical orchid. The team finds itself stranded in the jungle in the midst of hungry and threatened anacondas. In addition to their troubles, Jack becomes so obsessed with becoming a millionaire that greed overpowers him. Thus, the remainder of the team must combat both Jack and the anacondas. In a struggle to make it out of the jungle alive, the team discovers that the same flower that may give humans extended life, subsequently, extended the anacondas' life, giving them the ability to become "super" anacondas.

This sequel is nothing more than another B-movie with some suspense, a few entertaining lines, and a ridiculous plot. Yet while the characters and plot are both typical and predictable, the movie's suspense holds you to your seat. The snakes' surprise appearances are cool, but are guaranteed to frighten a younger child. An example of such is when one of the team members began celebrating after crawling out of a small tunnel without being devoured by an anaconda, only to be suddenly attacked by another anaconda.

Along with its suspense, the audience definitely seemed to appreciate its girl-power message. The theaters roared with great commotion and applause as one of the female characters stood up to her boss (Jack), telling him that he was out-numbered and that the hunt for the orchid was over. The same character also took the lead later in the film. Overall, the film is a flop. Save your money for a real thriller.

Studio: Screen Gems
Director: Dwight H. Little
Cast: Eugene Byrd, Johnny Messner, Matthew Marsden
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: August 27, 2004
DVD release: December 21, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: violence, scary images and some language