Deep Blue Sea (1999)
So, I love a good (and bad) shark movie. And even though I know, logically, this movie isn't perfect, I kind of love it? I don't think it is all that bad either, but it's no masterpiece. Compared to the shark movies that we have now, I just like that this movie at least takes sharks seriously and have them be an actual scary entity instead of a campy film like Sharknado. Not that there's anything wrong with camp, but it's just fun to have options.
This film follows a group of scientists at an ocean research base who have been genetically modifying sharks for Alzheimer's research. Right as they have their breakthrough, they learn that the tests they have been running caused the sharks to become smarter and more aggressive. They are soon targeted and hunted by the sharks, and they begin to get picked off as they search for a solution and signal for help.
So while I wouldn't define this movie as "campy," there are some funny moments, courtesy of LL Cool J and his pet bird. I like that the film focuses on people with different abilities, a chef/minister, the shark caretakers, the scientists, the pharmaceutical reps. I love the differences between characters and watching them work together to try to solve the problem. The characters are believable, and I am interested in their survival. One of the most significant issues with this movie, especially now, is that some of the effects don't hold up plan (although I've seen films made more recently with FAR worse special effects). Some of the film is cheesy; the acting isn't always the best, and because it's about genetically modified sharks, some of the scenes are less than realistic.
I think this movie is worth watching, not because it is all that great, but because it is an enjoyable movie to watch. If you like shark films, this will be one of the better ones you'll see (most shark movies leave a lot to be desired). Don't expect perfection, but expect to have a great time.
Netflix available: On DVD
Hulu available: No
Xfinity available: Yes, for a fee
Amazon Prime available: Yes, for a fee
Rating: 3/5