“Hot Spring Shark Attack” was all I needed to read to pique my interest in this film. I am a sucker for sharksploitation films. Jaws doesn’t need any hype from me; there are plenty of thrillers with great stories, implementing fears of open water, deep ocean, stalking sharks, and frenzied attacks. Deep Blue Sea, Sharknado, and Under Paris are a few favorites. However, I am on the lookout for visionary projects like Sharknado, Ghost Shark, Avalanche Sharks, Santa Jaws, and Sharktopus. Sharks bursting with zombie legs, running wild. Humanoid sharks on the moon. The Meg! It’s all madness, and I am here for it.
It’s Not That Deep
Hot Spring Shark Attack caught my eye as I was searching for new and fun horror movies. I’ve had quite a few exciting film titles this year that failed to meet my expectations. I need quality entertainment: great characters, outlandish sharks, and a killer story with a high kill count. The trailer above had me sat for the feature in minutes.
In a small hot spring town in Japan, an ancient shark reawakens, posing a threat to the local hot spring facilities. The community unites to protect their town, culminating in a fierce battle against the predator. The opening scene featured a young couple boating out in the ocean, followed by a shark attack. We quickly have 3 people who are killed by said shark. We have a mayor doing all the wrong things and a seasoned officer armed with his trusty pistol. Toss in our most crucial woman scientist and silly influencers, and the tropes are troping. Bonus, the shark is supposedly extinct, with a flexible cartilage body perfect for fitting through long pipes and into your hot springs.
They Have a 3-D Printer For That
The humor is the driving force and ties everything together. The practical effects, sets, fake backgrounds, tiny towns, dramatic actors, and, of course, puppet sharks, are unique. Each scene utilizes practical effects, low-budget CGI, ocean settings, and green screen backgrounds in a humorous way, keeping me laughing throughout. The effects are purposeful, and the silliness increases exponentially with the addition of a 3D printer.
Hot Spring Shark Attack features the best in modern, state-of-the-art technology. I was screaming as I watched the shark team 3D print a submarine and the miniatures used for equipment, trucks, and other items. Why is the mayor driving the submarine with the scientist? It’s all for a good laugh. Thanks to over-the-top, intentionally bad effects, I felt like I needed to watch it again so that I could absorb more of its charm.
Killer Dinner
I am adding Hot Spring Shark Attack to my Shark Week movie list, right at the top. The sharks are swimming through streets and playgrounds! The shark attacks themselves are hysterical as actors swung around in the jaws of this ever-hungry shark. Seriously, though, do sharks never get full? Have I mentioned the large muscle man who arrives in grand fashion to punch some sharks? Don’t worry, you can’t miss him.
Above all, I loved the characters along with their performances throughout the silliest and chaotic action; I needed to see these people survive. Moreover, they all look like they’re having a great time. Watch Hot Spring Shark Attack with friends, because the laughs are contagious.
Hot Spring Shark Attack is a Japanese horror comedy film written and directed by Morihito Inoue, his first feature film. Utopia announced a release date to select theaters and streaming platforms on July 11. Consider renting or owning through VOD services.
