Directed by: Chris Olen Ray
Starring: Patrick Bergin, Yancy Butler, Josh Allen, Erin Coker
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Asylum Home Ent
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes
Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars
When it comes to The Asylum films, I am first one in line. I was anticipating “Shark Week” this summer timed to steal some spotlight with Discovery Channel’s 25th Anniversary of “Shark Week”, I am sure. The film manages to bring the Asylum’s usual charm but doesn’t excel much. I am a fan of Chris Olen Ray’s work, especially in the shark genre with “2 Headed Shark Attack” and “Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus” but still one falls a little flat. The CG is not the worst, I’ve seen and some parts are actually kind of kick-ass. Lastly, it also seemed like Patrick Bergin and Yancy Butler didn’t really have much to do in the film besides sit in front of computer. I call this a one-time watcher at most.
The premise is quite decent actually b It follows a group of strangers who find themselves captured at a wealthy madman’s island compound and are forced to survive a barrage of ever deadlier species of shark. The film has been quoted as “Saw” meets “Jaws”, which would have actually been awesome but the execution of that cool idea is where the film fails. When I interviewed the director, even he did not have any faith in this film saying “I am surprised we were even able to get a movie out of it…The concept behind this movie was such a great concept for it to turn out the way it did.”
I have no complaints with the the Blu-ray itself. It is a typical Asylum release and delivers a decent HD experience with both its 1080p video and its 5.1 surround sound audio track. The special features also follow the typical Asylum route and are a little light but still decent. There is a short behind-the-scenes feature called “The Making of Shark Week”. Lastly there is a gag reel included. Both features are worth checking out, even if you didn’t enjoy the film. I just wish the film was as amazing as the box cover!
