Director: David R. Ellis.
Starring: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Joel David Moore, Donal Logue, Joshua Leonard, Katherine McPhee and Chris Carmack
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 91 minutes.
Synopsis: A weekend at a lake house in the Louisiana Gulf turns into a nightmare for seven vacationers as they are subjected to shark attacks…
Since Steven Spielberg unleashed the magnificent JAWS on the the world in 1975, many imitators have tried to cash in on similar ideas. Whether it’s a great white shark or hundreds of small piranha, the world of cinema has had many sequels and rip-offs, bit none have come close to Spielberg’s masterpiece. Now with the release of director David R. Ellis’ new killer shark movie, does he fair any better than those before him with his effort SHARK NIGHT 3D? The short answer is: absolutely not!
The movie follows Sarah and six of her friends who decide to visit the Louisiana coast during a weekend vacation. The place was once home to Sarah, who has not returned in three years following a traumatic event from her past. Upon their arrival, a chance meeting with her ex Dennis and his hillbilly partner Red set in motion the terrifying events that are to follow.
Ellis’ previous movies CELLULAR, FINAL DESTINATION 2 and SNAKES ON A PLANE had their tongues firmly in cheek, and were a guilty pleasure whilst not testing your logic too much. Here he looks to be going down the serious route, which is not a wise choice considering the writing, as well as the cast he has assembled.
Plot points are signposted well ahead, with the audience being treated like idiots. Sara Paxton is actually given a line reminding characters (and the audience) that ‘don’t forget guys once we get there you wont be able to get a cellphone signal’. Seriously, in today’s world of technological advancements the audience is expected to buy that. Ellis also sets up many establishing shots lingering on a number of female anatomy parts before panning away to follow the main actors. Why? Well, we all know the answer to that but what does it have to with the plot? Nothing of course.
The acting on show here is laughable at best, even from seasoned performers Donal Logue (BLADE) and Joel David Moore (AVATAR). In fact, the film’s performances are more reminiscent of a primary school nativity. Lines that are so embarrassing the writer should pack in all in now. Characters that are so stereotypical after 10 seconds of the meeting them you know exactly who will be left fighting for their lives in the finale. This means that any build up of suspense is rendered useless. Tender moments (I write that trying to keep a straight face) in scenes between leads Sarah (Sara Paxton) and Nick (Dustin Milligan) are so awkward and emotionless, that you almost feel for the actors. The only member of the cast that comes out with any credit is THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT’s Joshua Leonard. His ‘hillbilly hick’ being the the movie’s only saving grace and the only one capable delivering his lines with any sort of wicked relish.
Alexandre Aja’s PIRANHA 3D (its own sequel due 23rd November) tried a similar approach to SHARK NIGHT 3D last year with far greater success. That movie provided some superb gore mixed with gross-out laughs and showed that you can have fun with such material. Having talent like the great Adam Scott (PARTY DOWN), Elizabeth Shue (LEAVING LAS VEGAS) and the reliable Ving Rhames (PULP FICTION) moves that film up quite a few notches from similar fare. PIRANHA 3D was a blast and not to be taken seriously. Do yourself a favour guys, do not waste your time with SHARK NIGHT 3D, consider renting or buying PIRANHA 3D instead. Better still, stick with JAWS.
SHARK NIGHT 3D is out now.
