A Nutshell Review: Shark Tale

Rating: Null/10 (30 November 2004)

After watching this movie, you'll know why Dreamworks Animation's IPO is worth billions. Going by their success of the Shrek Movies, and now Shark Tale, they'll be the studio that will give Pixar a run for their money.
The premise for this animated film is similar to Shrek's, adapting modern day icons to suit the mis-en-scene, thus providing tongue-in-cheek references as well as opportunities for a gag or two.
We follow the exploits of Oscar (Will Smith), who lives in a fish colony modeled after New York's Times Square, with neon billboards screaming recognizable brands like "Coral-Cola" (Coca- Cola), "Fish King" (Burger King), "GUP" (GAP), "FQ Magazine" (GQ Magazine), etc. Look out for references to Titanic (the sharks' lair),
and one liners from movies like A Few Good Man, Gladiator and even Jerry Maguire (in one of the most direct references towards Renee Zellweger)
As the simple story goes, it's about redemption and learning not to lie (hey, it's a G-rated movie!), about who your true friends (those who stuck by you even when you're a nobody and have nothing) and about family.
One thing I've always enjoyed about Hollywood animations, is that the toons are carefully caricatured after the real life actors bringing their toon counterparts to live. Even Robert De Niro's mole is cheekily added, and Angelina Jolie's poutty lips are featured as well and even Martin Scorsese lends his voice in this show.
Stay throughout the end credits, and I mean throughout the end credits. You'll be treated to multi easter eggs and zany moments, right up until the final character goes "Go Home, It's Past Your Bedtime!" and the screen goes blank.
RESPECT!