by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden
In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s Hotspring Shark Attack by Morihito Inoue.
Synopsis
In a small hot spring town in Japan, a ferocious ancient shark reawakens and begins terrorizing the local hot spring facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople band together to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator, leading to a fierce and thrilling battle.
The Good
Joseph: For those who thought America had a lock on ridiculous comedies involving sharks, Japanese writer/director Morihito Inoue and company say “Hold my chum.” Hotspring Shark Attack is a mind-boggling mashup and send-up of blatant Jaws references, kaiju movie high-tech imaginary weaponry and vehicles, and general zaniness — just ask strongman character Maccho, who comes across as a live-action anime superhero, or witness victims being pulled down into suddenly appearing and disappearing sinkholes by shape-changing sharks that can travel through thin hot water pipes and sport the Japanese symbol for hot tub lodging for gills. The scientific ridiculousness, committed performances — sometimes far more nuanced than you would find in similar movies — and commitment to the overall project all work together. The CGI is often “bad” in a deliberately funny way, and sometimes used to level up the craziness.
Mike: Hotspring Shark Attack delivers on its ludicrous premise with a certain B-movie charm. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, which is its greatest strength. The practical effects, while clearly low-budget, lend an endearing schlockiness to the shark encounters, making them feel more tangible than overly polished CGI might have. The sheer audacity of putting sharks in a geothermal pool creates some genuinely unique and darkly humorous scenarios that keep you engaged, if only to see how they'll manage to top the last absurdity. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends for a laugh, and in that regard, it succeeds.
The Bad
Joseph: There’s plenty of ammunition for those wishing to pick Hotspring Shark Attack apart, and it is by no means an excellent slice of cinematic high art, but if you’re diving into this onsen of madcap mirth looking for the latter, you’ve chosen the wrong movie.
Mike: While the whole movie could technically fit into this section, this isn’t the kind of film you really go into thinking of things like “Good” or “Bad”. But for the sake of putting something here, character development is virtually non-existent - you'll struggle to remember anyone's name, let alone care about their fate. The dialogue is often clunky and exposition-heavy, feeling less like natural conversation and more like characters reading from a "how to survive a shark attack in a hot spring" manual.
The Verdict
Joseph: Hotspring Shark Attack is so earnest in its attempt to entertain through absurdity that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Connoisseurs of over-the-top animal-attack comedies should consider this must-see, and those — like me — who usually avoid that subgenre but are willing to give into its lunacy should be pleasantly surprised.
Mike: Hotspring Shark Attack is precisely what you'd expect from its title: a gloriously silly, often clumsy, but ultimately entertaining romp. It's not going to win any awards for cinematic brilliance, nor will it redefine the creature feature genre. However, if you approach it with the right mindset – a desire for cheesy thrills, improbable scenarios, and a good laugh – you'll find something to enjoy. It’s a perfect candidate for a "bad movie night," delivering just enough absurdity and low-budget charm to make it a memorable, albeit forgettable, experience. Don't expect a classic like Jaws; expect hot springs and sharks, and you won't be disappointed.
Hotspring Shark Attack!
Directed By: Morihito Inoue
Written By: Morihito Inoue
Starring: Daniel Aguilar, Shôichirô Akaboshi, Takuya Fujimura
Run Time: 1h 10m
Rating: NR
Release Date: July 10, 2024 (United States)
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