A knock-off of FINDING NEMO that lacks heart

Rating: 6/10 (10 June 2007)

I was not a huge fan of FINDING NEMO, though when compared to this film it is definitely a superior film. That's because while NEMO was a much simpler story and designed more for little kids, SHARK TALE was rather dark and grim, plus I didn't appreciate all the "with it" hip-hop references or inclusion of Robert De Niro as the boss shark. If I want to see De Niro, I might watch GOODFELLAS or RAGING BULL and I can't see why such an adult actor is given a role in what should have been a purely kids' film. Nothing new or memorable here--just a pale imitation of NEMO with some heavy-handed touches. The charm just isn't apparent and I can't see a compelling reason to seek out this film, though it is an agreeable enough time-passer.