Sand Sharks

Pure B-Movie Fun
When coming onto a film called Sand Sharks, it's pretty obvious that you're either going to love it, or hate it, depending on how you view B-movies. Being a fan of cheesy creature features, I didn't expect anything but to love this film, and I did.

The film opens with two 20-somethings riding dirt bikes in a desert-looking place who soon find themselves falling victim to, well, a sand shark. One of the victims decapitated heads is discovered by what appears to be the only two cops on the small island of White Sand, John Stone (Eric Scott Woods), and his daughter Brenda (Vanessa Evigan). The two ultimately decide it was indeed a shark attack, but because of how far the decapitated head was from the shore makes them question how. Fast forward about 20 minutes later, and the two decide to call in Dr. Sandy Powers (Brooke Hogan), a scientist who specifies in sharks.

Because of the lack of tourists on White Sand island, the town's mayor's son, Jimmy (Corin Nemec), who...

"You've got to think outside the sandbox."
The title alone promises that this is a crazy/cartoony idea, and thank goodness, it's a comedy. Filled with puns and referential jokes and a particularly loopy performance by Corin Nemec; I was chuckling throughout. This is definitely a shark movie that I'm putting in my collection. What a nutty concept, it's funny and people die in droves!
Of course, this movie would be nothing without Corin Nemec's bizarre performance as a ne'er-do-well prodigal son who keeps bouncing into scenes like a manic nincompoop. His character is pompous, sleazy, pathetic, and a hoot. He manages the impossible by taking a villainous role and making it strangely endearing. His life saving technique alone was sadly hilarious. Then too, there were his off the mark impressions of his dad. He was a marvel to watch.
I applaud the people involved who took a tired retread and made it fresh. Yes, it's an obvious rip-off of the Jaws formula. They even have their version of the crusty old shark...

ALL THAT'S MISSING IS FRANKIE AND ANNETTE
Legendary filmmaker Roger Corman would be proud of SAND SHARKS, a giddy, preposterous, cheesy B movie that's perfect for the addicted B-movie enthusiast. The writers obviously kept their tongues firmly in cheek, and viewers must set their expectations accordingly. Remember the short-lived "Parker Lewis" series? Corin Nemec who played the title role, gnaws the scenery as the real estate wannabe mogul who returns to his home turf to promote a Sand Festival to "save" the island's floundering tourist trade,. Stock characters include the busty marine biologist, the steel-jawed sheriff and his sister deputy; the mayor who happens to be Nemec's daddy; the sexy shark, oops, lawyer, the requisite shark hunter and others on the hungry sharks menu.
Special fx are appropriately humorous and there's plenty of gore.
SAND SHARKS is simply mindless but enjoyable for fans of the genre.

Click to Editorial Reviews