Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001)

Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, comfortable in his outback life with Sue and their son Mikey, gets a call that disrupts their peaceful existence. Sue is offered a job at a Los Angeles newspaper, prompting the family to uproot and move to the United States. Thrust into the unfamiliar world of Hollywood and big-city life, Mick and Mikey experience a series of hilarious and fish-out-of-water scenarios as they attempt to navigate the complexities of American culture, often with predictably chaotic and humorous results. This family-friendly adventure comedy brings the iconic Crocodile Dundee character into a new, contemporary setting, offering a blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments as the Dundee clan learns to adapt and thrive in their new environment. While "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" might not be Simon Wincer's most critically acclaimed work, its inclusion on a list of his "best" films is justified by several factors. Wincer brings his characteristic adventure and action sensibilities to the project, managing to maintain the lighthearted, crowd-pleasing tone established in the original films. His skillful direction extracts genuine comedic performances from Paul Hogan, ensuring the beloved character retains his charm and appeal. More importantly, the film demonstrates Wincer's versatility as a director, showcasing his ability to handle a well-established franchise and adapt it to a different setting while still delivering a commercially viable and entertaining product. It's a testament to his competency in directing broad appeal movies, even if it doesn't reach the heights of his earlier cinematic achievements.