About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
Idris Elba stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator.

Wait, what is the name of this film, Beast, or was it Bust? Just based on what what the synopsis reads and what has been revealed in the trailer, the plot will almost assuredly be woefully thin. I mean like, starving hyenas struggling to find their next meal in the savannah, thin. Idris Elba and Sharlto Copley headline the safari survival thriller that offers minimal reasons to recommend paying full price to see in theaters.

For whatever reasons, quality live-action movies centering around lions are hard to come by. As a matter of fact, it’s been more than 25 years since the last, and maybe only, worthy apex predator film that had me all-in. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) staring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer wasn’t perfect by any means, but it contained all of the elements needed to create a favorable overall experience.

Beast provides a serviceable backstory and and doesn’t wait terribly long to kick things off. Dr. Nate Samuels (Elba) returns to a familiar place of happier times where he first met his wife. With his two daughters, Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Jeffries), they attempt to mend wounds while also exploring the beauties in South Africa. Martin (Copley), a long time family friend, leads them on what was hoped to be a memorable adventure of a lifetime, but instead turns into a unforgettable experience that will have them fighting for their lives.

Director Baltasar Kormákur does a nice job capturing the beaty of the wild in the rural settings, but that’s where the praise ends. The story feels shallow and the character development doesn’t really draw you in. And the boneheaded decisions made throughout to further the story become repetitive and frustrating, to the point where you might end up rooting for the lion. The overall experience is devoid of uniqueness of any type, ensuring that memories of viewing experience will fade faster than the sun setting in the savannah.

Universal Pictures may luck out with there not being much to feast upon at the box office. As we’ve reached that time of year that usually sees a lower volume of moviegoers heading to theaters to get their entertainment fix, this is one of the periods where studios toss out offerings that aren’t considered a gourmet meal. Beast will entice some to head out to check it out, but I wouldn’t expect too much.

Beast is rated R for violent content, bloody images and some language. The 93 minute horror adventure opens in theaters everywhere starting Friday, August 19th with early showtimes on Thursday evening.