So what's the deal with Lake Placid? What should be an enjoyable monster comedy, written by the talented Kelley and featuring a capable cast, is instead a screeching wreck. What I took away from this movie, other than a headache, was a glowering irritation with the characters, all of whom do nothing but bitch and bitch and bitch at each other. If I wanted to hear that, I'd turn on Everybody Loves Raymond and watch Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts do it in a way that's--I don't know--funny. Both Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman are better than the performances they turn in here--they're mocking the audience through what seems to be a lack of effort. Oliver Platt is the only one who seems to be trying, as he's the only cast member able to provide his dialogue with even a hint of humor. Betty White is the worst offender. White (and Kelley, I'm sure) must have revelled in the idea of The Golden Girls demure ___ turning the air blue with her foul mouth, but with White not giving a humorous spin to her lines, her casting is nothing more than a transparent stunt. And that's no fun.