Light-hearted viewing, but lacks the magic of other computer animated films, particular its obvious competition in 'Finding Nemo'!

Rating: 6/10 (16 June 2005)

The influx of computer-animated films in recent times is proving to make for some interesting competition. 'Shark Tale', following on the heels of the well-received 'Finding Nemo' displays the comparison. No doubt about it, 'Shark Tale' is as hip as you can get, or at least it tries to be hip. Lots of cultural and movie references (some clever, some lame), in-jokes, and emphasis given to the voice cast. However, there is no magic in this film and no real awe. It's entertaining enough, and gives us an underwater version of pop culture, much like 'Robots' gave us the robotic version of what society would be like! 'Shark Tale' did manage to make me laugh, and Will Smith as Oscar does okay. Still, even with Robert DeNiro as the Mafioso shark in Don Lino- there is no formidable bad guy in this film! However, 'Shark Tale' does get the point over that getting fame based on a lie is never a good thing, and being yourself is the way to go. Jack Black does okay as the out-of-place shark who disguises himself as a dolphin, and you can pretty much guess the hidden reference about acceptance there-, which again is okay. All in all, this is a kids film with some adult themes chucked in, and its pretty good for a rainy day, but it hardly reaches 'Finding Nemo's' status as the ultimate underwater adventure, probably because 'Shark Tale' is too gimmicky and reliant on pop culture, and not to mention the god-awful "Car Wash" song at the end with many a fish rapping. Some nice touches like Katie Current (a spoof of Katie Couric and was the recast voice to represent the news presenter of Today in country of release even though the underwater city was New York amalgamated with Hollywood and the rest of the voices), as well as Coral Cola, the Whale Wash, the Sea Horses races etc. Now, all I have to do is see the other underwater-animated flick in the 'Spongebob Squarepants Movie'! 'Shark Tale' is okay in my book, and besides the very last groan inducing song at the end, it's light-hearted viewing!
*** out of *****!