This seven-years-later sequel asks the comic-horror question: “Do crocodiles eat cheese?” Because if so, there’s enough fromage in this goofy, cliché-exploiting creature feature to keep its prehistoric-sized crocs fed for months. This time around, John Schneider stars as Sheriff Riley, who unwittingly brings fresh meat—including his teen son (Chad Collins)—to the shores of the titular lake in Maine (yup, crocodiles in Maine). Little does anyone realize, an eccentric (Cloris Leachman) has been feeding the reptiles steroids. The only surprises here are the frequent spurting limbs and writhing victims. The script isn’t as witty (the original was penned by Boston Legal creator David E. Kelly), but the young and attractive cast has a self-deprecating good time running from the almost-convincing SFX reptiles. Fox even camps up the bonuses, going overboard with a “Gnawed Up” version, which hurries through the dialog to get to the action, and a fun featurette.

Shelf Talk: The 1999 original Lake Placid rang up a not-awful $32 million at the box office and had plenty of scaly legs at rental. The follow-up made an equally fair impression this spring when it premiered on the Sci Fi Channel (where it didn’t have the extensive nudity, gore and language of this unrated version). Also, don’t hesitate to play up Smallville’s Schneider, King of Queen’s regular Sam McMurray and comedy icon Leachman. Look for cable and online advertising as well as an event-style campaign to heighten awareness.