Bad CGI Sharks

Bad CGI Sharks is a well-crafted blend of comedy and horror, offering viewers an entertaining exploration of film-making packed with absurd humor and fantastical elements. Directed by MaJaMa, this film straddles the fine line between parody and homage, offering tongue-in-cheek laughter along with moments of engaging drama.

The story kicks off with two estranged brothers, Matteo and Jason, who share an obsession with a film script left behind by their late father. The script, titled "Sharks Outta Water," is a fantasy-based buddy comedy about two boys and their talking shark. Left without any options to follow their dreams in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, circumstance forces them to step into their father’s shoes.

The brothers, despite their different personalities and conflicting attitudes, somehow muster up the courage to take this project forward, embodying the spirit of independent filmmaking. The plot further deepens when, in a bizarre twist of events, the brothers magically bring their shark to life.

This self-aware shark is aware of its nature as a "bad CGI shark" and breaks the fourth wall frequently, injecting the narrative with hilariously absurd moments. It follows the brothers around, leading to a series of hilarious and bizarre escapades, as the brothers scramble to navigate the ups and downs of amateur filmmaking while simultaneously pacifying their animated shark.

Bad CGI Sharks is a love letter to low-budget independent filmmaking; it brims with humor, portraying the passion, chaos, and hullabaloo surrounding the creation of a film. The characters are relatable, and the audience quickly becomes invested in their journeys, laughing at their outlandish situations even while they root for them to succeed.

The film's humor thrives on its self-awareness. It takes and emphasizes the stereotypical flaws of low-budget cinematic productions and leans into them, purposefully including over-dramatic acting, purposely dreadful special effects, and deliberately over-the-top plot devices. The result is an infectiously entertaining package, a fresh perspective on movie-making and creature features.

The film's shark, bad CGI and all, is a character in itself. With its self-awareness and funky interactions, it steals every scene it appears in. The haphazardly animated creature is a brilliant take on bad CGI in cinema. It's a constant reminder that a captivating story and memorable characters are the heart of good filmmaking rather than lavish budgets and flawless special effects.

However, Bad CGI Sharks is not all laughs and wry one-liners. The underlying story of two siblings banding together under unlikely circumstances adds depth to this parody. The film project tries to bridge the gap between the brothers, who have led separate lives for so long.

The performances of the cast, especially Matthew Ellsworth and Jason Ellsworth, who also penned the screenplay, are noteworthy and a testament to their craft in handling humor and drama with equal finesse. Their performances add layers to their characters, making the story more meaningful and engaging.

On the technical side, the movie does a commendable job. Limited resources lead to creativity, and the crew does well to embrace the restrictions and work around them, resulting in a film that takes joy in its imperfections. The practical effects mesh well with the bad CGI, leading to delightfully surreal scenes. The color grading and cinematography add to the overall charm and exaggerated reality of the narrative.

The soundtrack complements the film's tone, offering fun, catchy tunes that don't miss a beat along with the movie's shifting moods. The unique combination of comedy and a touch of horror works well due to apt music choices.

Still, at its core, Bad CGI Sharks is more than just your average parody or a tribute to a sub-genre of creature-features. It is an exploration of dreams, a story about believing in oneself, the spirit of camaraderie, and understanding family dynamics in a typical comedic fashion.

Despite the title, those expecting a straight shark-horror flick may end up disappointed, while those willing to dive deeper into the narrative will find a rewarding experience most unexpected. This indie film is well worth a watch for those seeking a humorous, unconventional adventure, or if you simply want to see the most hilariously rendered CGI shark in cinematic history.