Not as big a bite as Jaws

Shark Night 3D (2011)
Certified: 16
Duration: 91 mintues
Directed by: David R. Ellis
Starring: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Chris Carmack, Katharine McPhee, Donal Logue, Joshua Leonard, Joel David Moore
KRS release

In recent years, we have had a number of horror and sci-fi genre films released in 3D format that tried to evoke their gimmick-full counterparts of the 1950s and 1960s.

Shark Night 3D proudly lives up this premise and like the recent Piranha, those going to the cinema know exactly what to expect from such a picture.

Dumped on by critics, Shark Night was never meant to be the modern equivalent of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, but rather one of those countless sequels that came after the classic 1975 film.

I think many of those critics did not get the point.

The film evokes this feel well and in a very entertaining manner, and is much better than the likes of the recent Drive Angry.

Malik (Sinqua Walls) is a Louisiana college football star who is off to celebrate his good grades in the cottage by the lake of the parents of his friend Sara (Sara Paxton).

Tagging along is his tutor Nick (Dustin Milligan), roommate Gordon (Joel David Moore), Malik’s girlfriend Maya (Alyssa Diaz), model Blake (Chris Zlyka) and the wild Beth (Katherine McPhee).

There is an initial clash with Sara’s ex, Dennis (Chris Carmack) and his buddy Red (Joshua Leonard).

When they arrive at the cottage, situated on an island in the secluded saltwater Lake Crosby, they are welcomed by Sheriff Sabin (Donald Logue) who wishes them a good time. But soon enough the vacation turns into a nightmare when Malik is attacked by a shark and ends up losing an arm.

Sara, Maya and Nick try to take Malik to hospital by boat but the sharks and the crazed locals are all out to make their life hell.

The 1980s-inspired slasher film is populated with perfect-looking teens, each portraying a stereotype character wonderfully.

When they get to die, we do not care all that much; but, after all, when one goes to watch a film entitled Shark Night 3D, one is not exactly cheering for the humans but rather for the water-killing machines.

This film lives and breathes in its shark scenes and these are as over-the-top as the title blares out at you.

It was never meant to be taken seriously; this is plain fun, very much in the same way as the directors’ 2006 other over-the-top feature, Snakes on a Plane.

I enjoyed this film as I was prepared for this kind of movie shark madness and that is what I got.

The sharks really make great 3D subjects and their sharp teeth will surely keep the audience on their toes.