With “Shark Night 3D” being released in theaters soon, talk about other films with these predatory creatures has been rampant. It’s unfortunate but ever since Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” hit theaters in 1975, any movie that features a shark of any kind immediately is considered a rip-off. Right now, let’s just act as if “Jaws” was never made and explore other movies people excited for “Shark Night 3D” can enjoy before and after they see the film.
“Dinoshark”
“Dinoshark” is simple to sum up. A prehistoric shark shows up off the coast of Porta Vallarta, Mexico and begins munching on tourists and locals. Returning local Eric Balfour takes matters into his own hands to get rid of the creature after his friends are eaten by it. This movie makes for a fun time if you just don’t take it too seriously. The movie was helmed by director Kevin O’Neill, who is better known as a visual effects artist for big films like “Zathura” and “Blade.” Producer Roger Corman had a sizeable guest appearance in the film as a scientist.
“Sharktopus”
2010’s “Sharktopus” had producer Roger Corman re-visiting the man-eating theme after the success of “Dinoshark.” Obviously, “Sharktopus” is about a half-shark/half octopus hybrid. A mad scientist creates it to be a military weapon. When it goes rogue and starts killing people off the coast of Mexico, the scientist refuses to destroy it. Eric Roberts convincingly plays the crazy scientist. Roberts never fails to do a great job playing a scumbag. Corman has a hysterical cameo in this film that I won’t spoil here. Director Declan O’Brien has made a career out of making direct to DVD and made-for-cable films like a couple “Wrong Turn” sequels and others.
“Deep Blue Sea”
How could any fan of shark movies forget director Renny Harlin’s “Deep Blue Sea?” This 1999 movie played like a B-movie with a big budget and a cast that seemed to be way too good to be in it. This tale is about a group of people trapped on an isolated research facility fighting for their lives against three super-intelligent sharks. It actually plays a whole lot better than it sounds. It’s suspenseful, fun, and action-packed. I know I said I was going to ignore the films, but imagine the sharks from “Jaws,” “Jaws 2,” and “Jaws 3″ getting smart and being trapped on the boat in “The Poseidon Adventure” with passengers. The unbelievable cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, L.L. Cool J, Michael Rappaport, Stellan Skarsgard, Saffron Burrows, and Thomas Jane.
“Open Water”
2003’s “Open Water” became a big hit after being bought by Lions Gate films for distribution. It was made for around $500,000 and ended up grossing over $54 million worldwide. The movie revolves around a vacationing couple who go on a scuba trip. The two are accidently left in the middle of the ocean by their tour leaders by mistake. Soon, sharks appear and their hopes of being rescued start to grow dim. Director Chris Kentis hasn’t released another film since “Open Water.” His follow-up to the film entitled “Silent House” is set to hit theaters before the end of 2011.
Some of these movies are strictly for fun like “Sharktopus” and “Dinoshark.” Others explore the idea of what someone would do if they were in a similar situation like “Open Water” and even “Deep Blue Sea.” Either way, there should be enough films listed here to get you through a long night of pre- or after-partying in celebration of the release of “Shark Night 3D.”
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
‘Shark Night 3D’ Can’t Avoid ‘Jaws’ Comparisons
‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ Not a Ghost Story
Interview with ‘Final Destination 5′ Actor Miles Fisher