For as much as these movies cost to make, you would think companies would at least try and not knock-off the competition. DreamWorks went up against Pixar with "Antz," and now again with "Shark Tale." Aside from the "Shrek" series, their computer-animated films seems to be geared more towards adults, just with plots for the kids. It ends up being a confusing mish-mash that doesn't come together in the least.
Oscar (voiced by Will Smith) works a local whale wash until he one day becomes a celebrity. After taking credit for killing a shark that he really did not kill, he becomes a hero, taking all the fame and credit. His problems really take off when he learns the shark he killed is the mob bosses son. Not only must he now keep his secret, but try and avoid being killed by a large group of sharks.
The opening of "Shark Tale" is nothing short of hilarious. There are countless numerous touches (the Sushi Bar is priceless), a great obligatory "Jaws" parody, and it immediately draws you into its world. Unfortunately, it settles on a none-too-interesting plot that tries to parody numerous mob films.
Of course the movie is geared for the younger set; you just have to question what 8-year old is going to get a "Godfather" reference, "Jerry Maguire," or even a brief "Benny Hill" one. Those are great to put smirks on adult's faces, but the kids can't possibly comprehend why it is their parents are smiling. The plot itself, one of the few things the kids could get, is bare bones surface level type stuff. It seems the creators are more intent on showing the world they've created or making a parody than working with anything type of a story.
They have populated that world with some great characters, led by the always fun and energetic Will Smith. He does great alongside Jack Black (playing a vegetarian shark which seems like an awfully familiar plot point) and Renee Zellweger. The rest of the cast is all top-notch talent, including Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Ziggy Marley. Most of them are one-shot characters, falling in line with a problem most animated films run into, being more entertaining than the leads.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I was really disappointed with this film. They missed the mark in terms of making a film for the whole family. I was bored, as were many of the kids at the screening I was at. Some of the animation was good, but it was wasted on a dull plot and non-existent characters.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Matt, another very fine, thorough review. I basically agree with your assessment -- including about the amazing animation and weak plot -- but I do find myself liking the movie overall much better on DVD than in the theater. It seems to flow better and I found it funnier, but perhaps it's just familiarity talking. It's hard to beat that amazing look, also.