Very hit and miss

Rating: 5/10 (24 January 2005)

Shark Tale is not a bad film. A lot of thought and effort went into making this picture. Yet, when you sit down and watch it, two things become apparent.
First, and most obviously, the movie is very hit and miss. Some scenes work well, others fall flat or are downright dull and tedious.
Secondly, just who was the target audience? Very small children will, no doubt, appreciate the bright colours and simple action sequences, but if they are the audience, then why so many more adult themes here than, say, in Shrek? If adults were the target group, then why the silliness intended solely for children? In short, it comes across as a film uncertain as to what it was trying to achieve, and who it was primarily aimed at. As a result of this dithering, the film, which could have worked well if a specific audience was targeted, meanders along with little direction and little to keep you watching with anything other than mild interest.
Will Smith reprises his role as The Fresh Prince here verbatim, almost to the point of annoyance. The others mostly have a good time with their voice roles but there aren't really any stand-outs among them, though it was good to hear Peter Falk in a role.
In short, this one is purely for the little kids, who'll no doubt watch it again and again with glee. But for the adults, the humour runs out long before the end of the first viewing. Disappointing.