Once you finally think you've found something good under the actual special features menu, you become even more frustrated. "Rough Waters" is a brief collection of animated goofs that are included on all CG-animated films. This is short, barely going over the minute mark. "Star Fish" looks at the actors involved with some in the studio footage. All they do is discuss their characters and the plot to the movie you just watched. If you make it to the end, that's a little over 11-minutes of your life gone by. "Music of Shark Tale" is exactly what it says it is (with quickie interviews from the artists), plus a blatant commercial for the soundtrack.
"Fishified World" looks at how the ideas for the film came about and how they turned into something that made sense for fish. The producers, animators, and actors all get their piece in this short 6-minute feature. "Gigi the Whale" is a seemingly useless minute and a half feature that has Robert De Niro talking in studio on a break; they just animated him as the shark he plays. "Tour the Reef" is a painful experience, moving back and forth between countless menu options to view various production sketches and galleries. Everything ends with various notes and trailers. (**)
At least for the time being, it looks like the next round between the two big animation juggernauts is going to be different. Pixar is putting out "Cars" while DreamWorks comes in with a funny looking animal movie "Madagascar." Meanwhile, Fox is creeping into the picture with a sequel to "Ice Age." So much for traditional animation.
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.