For some reason, when I made my initial Blogger post about the 2013 "sharksploitation" flick Avalanche Sharks, I totally forgot about my Internet Movie Database review of the film from February 20, 2014. I've now deleted that old post, which was nothing more than a few random thoughts, and in it's place I give you that review. (Which happens to be my only IMDb review to date.) Enjoy!
Very fun, tongue-in-cheek, low-budget but competent production! 8/10 stars
Christopher-J Carlson (February 20, 2014)
Seeing this film with only 2 stars on IMDb made me sad. Sure, this isn't a film that most will mention in the same breath as most big-budget wide-releases, but this film was, unlike too many of those films, truly enjoyable from beginning to end! The film-makers and actors knew their limitations - technical and personal - and with tongues planted firmly in cheek, gave viewers a more than competent production that kept my attention at the way through and left me more that satisfied when over.
The script, direction and acting were decent all-around, and I can't recall any specific scene in the film that suddenly took me out of the story. Nothing seemed forced and nobody seemed to be trying to go above their means.
While the CGI special-effects are what they are - CGI - the film-makers smartly decided to limit its use, with the effects either ending abruptly or the scenes cutting away quickly. Most of these scenes are shark attacks after all, which would naturally be quick and abrupt.
Some people have problems with films not explaining enough about certain things. In this case, viewers are given two possibilities as to the origins of the titular sharks. But, do we really need everything to be explained to us (especially in a movie like this) to enjoy a film? Questions can lead to debate after all and, in my opinion, can add extra layers to a film. And this is a film that most would not expect to have much substance to begin with. (The last big-budget film I saw at the cinema left me with nothing to think about when it was over. Duh...)
I really liked how they framed the beginning and end of the film. Original, funny, and a nice change of pace from most films. This production truly impressed me, and I look forward to what all the people involved bring to movie lovers in the future.
Give this film a chance. Don't go into it expecting anything in particular (my advice for seeing any film - big or small) and you'll likely find yourself pleasantly surprised by how much more FUN you'll have.
P-S. Apparently, Brooke Hogan was up for a role in this film but had to step away for some reason or another. I don't want to sound harsh, but I'm glad she wasn't involved, because I can't help but think she may have stuck out like a sore thumb acting-wise compared to the subdued but competent performances by most of the cast. Sorry, Brooke... :^/