Shark lake review

Shark films inhabit an incredibly popular genre of movies that make up in entertainment for what they often lack in originality. Whereas most movies just rip off Jaws, the much loved Sharknado franchise took low budget shark movies to another level while this year’s The Shallows looks to return some terror to the water. Lurking in the depths of straight to DVD is the, does what it says on the tin, Shark Lake. Starring Dolph Lundgren and marketed as Dolph vs Shark, Jerry Dugan’s film is an enjoyable tale with plenty of gore and cheap CGI.

Clint Gray (Lundgren) is an exotic animal dealer that makes his living on the black market. While getting arrested he accidently lets loose a bull shark to the nearby lake. Five years have passed and the shark has gotten hungry, feeding on the locals while turning the water red. Realising the danger, local cop Meredith Hernandez (Sara Malakul Lane)and biologist Peter Mayes (Michael Aaron Milligan) look to call time on the buffet.

For a film that centered itself around Lundgren, there is little screentime involving him tackling any sharks. He may bring the star power however the real hero of the story is Hernandez. She’s an overzealous cop who’s fiercely passionate with credit giving to the writing team for not making her a poor Chief Brody facsimile.

Much of the film is silly, including an unintentionally hilarious scene that involves Hernandez’s mother inexplicably swimming in the lake. Despite its flaws, it’s a watchable movie that shouldn’t have you reaching for the remote control until it’s done. Shark Lake doesn’t require repeat viewing but if you’ve looking for mindless fun that provides much amusement then it’s 90 minutes of your time that’s worth investing in.