Shark Attack - DVD

Movie: For Rachel (Kristy Swanson), who runs a restaurant in the scenic swamplands of the Atchafalaya Basin with her sister Krystal (Sophie Sinise) and brother Jason (Jeff Chase), the daily alligator show is arguably the most important attraction, regularly drawing tourists and putting much-needed money into the restaurant's coffers. But when the body of a mangled man is found nearby one day, Sheriff Watson (Robert Davi) blames the restaurant's alligators. The fact that Rachel claims she saw a shark fin nearby moments before doesn't really help. Because Watson can justifiably claim that it's complete nonsense that a shark would be up to its mischief in the swamps. And that's what the corrupt sheriff has to claim, since a failed illegal animal transport, which earned him a few dollars on the side, is the reason why a bloodthirsty swamp shark is now starving for the flesh of the many bathers who have gathered at the lakeshore for the annual town festival. With the help of a mysterious stranger (D.B. Sweeney), Rachel now tries everything to restore her reputation and save the festival's guests from the hungry shark.

Hai Attack is a production of the American SyFy channel, which is not necessarily known for deep stories, fleshed-out characters, or high-quality special effects. Whether it's the mega-piranhas or the legendary sharktopus, absurd, bloodthirsty creatures are the hallmark of SyFy productions. And the swamp shark from Shark Attack fits right in. Director Griff Furst, who has already dabbled in similar waters with his whimsical sequel Lake Placid 3, doesn't even try to sell his film as a sophisticated genre entry. He knows that the story and his budget only equate to a simple B-movie. And that's exactly what he takes advantage of and delivers a pleasantly over-the-top production that obviously has only one goal: to make the audience have fun.

Thus, despite quite a few clichés and template-like characters, the film has a trashy fun factor, which is even supported by the very simply kept effects. For example, when a man is crushed by a rolling container or the swamp shark takes a bite or two, the (computer-animated) fake blood splatters with such exaggerated profusion that as a viewer you can't help but be amused.

Surely, Shark Attack can't really be called a good movie. But like many a SyFy production, it flirts with its level, doesn't take itself seriously, and overdoes the countless clichés in a very amusing way. If you're looking for sophisticated entertainment or well-tricked suspense, you're truly barking up the wrong tree. But if you're looking for fun of the somewhat trashy variety, you can confidently go to this Hai Attack in the swamps!

Picture + Sound: Since Hai Attack is a TV production that does not really have an enormous budget, the technical implementation can also not be expected with stunning quality. But despite a few small points deducted from the sharpness of detail, there is actually little to complain about the clean picture. And also the sound can be heard, especially in the German dts mix. However, the sound is primarily dominated by the dialogues, ambient sounds or sound effects come a little too short, especially in the German soundtrack. The bottom line, however, is still a decent: good!

Extras: The DVD has a pretty decent making of (about 30 min.) and a gag reel on board. Unfortunately, there are no German subtitles to these extras, so the bonus material can only be enjoyed by viewers with a good command of English. All others will have to be satisfied with trailers from the provider's program.

Conclusion: Hai Attack can neither come up with good dialogues, great effects, great suspense or interesting characters. A good movie just looks different. Nevertheless, this production of the American SyFy channel has an undeniable fun potential, which makes the film an entertaining genre representative despite - or even because of - its obvious weaknesses. If you like it a bit trashier, you can safely go fishing here

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp