Shark Attack (1999)

Shark Attack Poster

When an accidental death verdict is given on discovery of the remains of a top scientist, within the stomach of a hammerhead shark his closest friend Marine Biologist Steven McRay is not happy with the explanation and travels to investigate further, where he discovers that his friend's death was not an isolated incident, and that the local population have been terrorised by a rash of shark attacks.Developments in scientific technology had allowed experts to predict the pattern and likelihood of Shark Attacks, but now it seems that they may also be able to actually control these factors, rendering at their disposal the ultimate Killing machine.Enjoy the water... you may never want to go in the sea again!

Film Overview
"Shark Attack" is a 1999 direct-to-video horror movie directed by Bob Misiorowski. Produced by Millennium Films and Nu Image Films, the film stars Casper Van Dien, Jenny McShane, and Ernie Hudson. It is embeded in Port Amanzi, a fictional seaside town in Africa where shark attacks have left the community shaken, and the economy teetering.

Plot Summary
The story begins with the mystical death of a marine biologist, Steven McKray's (Casper Van Dien) friend who had actually been studying shark attacks. Figured out to investigate his buddy's death, Steven travels to Port Amanzi. There he meets Lawrence Rhodes (Ernie Hudson), a business owner thought about a benefactor to the town.

Steven teams up with Corine Desantis (Jenny McShane), an associate of his departed buddy, and they continue his friend's work. As the pair conducts their research study, they discover abnormal shark habits, and more residents succumb to attacks. The town's fear intensifies, and the economy begins experiencing the lack of tourism due to the shark incidents.

Discovering the Truth
With a lot of determination, Steven and Corine uncover a shocking truth - the sharks have actually been genetically modified and are managed through an unique device by Lawrence Rhodes. The manipulated animals serve to safeguard a sunken ship filled with taken diamonds. Lawrence's real colors emerge when he kidnaps Corine as leverage against Steven.

Climax and Resolution
In the climax of the movie, a remarkable fight takes place. Steven manages to outmaneuver Lawrence and his henchman, freeing Corine and retrieving the control device. With a newfound understanding of the gadget, they turn the sharks versus Lawrence, which ultimately results in his downfall.

Steven and Corine then notify the authorities about the sunken ship, returning the stolen diamonds to their rightful owners. With this, they not just fix the secret of the shark attacks, which ends the widespread panic, but they salvage the local economy, too.

Reception
"Shark Attack" was consulted with combined to unfavorable reviews. Critics criticized the film's absence of originality, poor unique effects, and wooden acting. Nevertheless, it also made a small cult following for its campy approach to suspense and horror. Despite the criticism, the film was commercially successful, resulting in a three-part follow up in between 2000 and 2004.

Overall, "Shark Attack" is a blend of action, scary, and secret. It combines elements of human greed, science-gone-wrong, and marine life in a significant story, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Top Cast

  • Casper Van Dien (small)
    Casper Van Dien
    Steven McKray
  • Ernie Hudson (small)
    Ernie Hudson
    Lawrence Rhodes
  • Bentley Mitchum (small)
    Bentley Mitchum
    Dr. Miles Craven
  • Jenny McShane (small)
    Jenny McShane
    Corinne Desantis
  • Cordell McQueen
    Marc Desantis
  • Anton Dekker (small)
    Anton Dekker
    Jan
  • Tony Caprari (small)
    Tony Caprari
    Mani
  • Chris Olley
    Police Chief
  • Jacob Makgoba
    Machete Policeman
  • Lee-Anne Liebenberg (small)
    Lee-Anne Liebenberg
    Woman in the Bikini
  • Caroline Barkhuizen
    Night Nurse