A good film but not up to Shrek standards

Rating: 6/10 (18 February 2005)

I watched Shark Tale, with not too high expectations, because critics can completely trash a good film, or give good critic to a bad film, so I watched it with open mind.
It did have very good animations, beautiful colours and a good set (reef), but the plot was too simple to intrigue anyone over the age of ten. It was slightly predictable probably because it is aimed at a younger audience as well, so it couldn't be very complicated. However, I really enjoyed Robert De Niro, and his shark 'mafia' boss character, and Jack Black the ever so friendly shark. Will Smith was good, and had some funny lines, although half the time I could not understand what he was saying. All the main characters were good and their part was essential to the film. I especially enjoyed the two jellyfish.
The only thing that I didn't like and put me off was the usual racial comment made by Will Smith (Oscar). I just don't understand. This film is about fish. Green, blue, red, all kinds of colours, yet there is a 'joke' about Sykes not being able to do some 'cool' handshake, because he is a white fish. Well to me it looked like he was a puffer fish.
Overall, it was an average film. It did make me laugh a few times, and was quite easy and pleasant to watch. Just a break in a hectic afternoon for a coffee and a laugh.