‘Shark Lake’ Surfaces

When I saw that Shark Lake starred Dolph Lungren—a man I thought was so cool as a kid I daydreamed he was my father for at least a year—I was vibrating with excitement. Unfortunately, the trailer for Shark Lake (clocking in at an uncomfortably long 3:46) leaves a lot to be desired. It starts out by introducing the two main characters: a single mom who also happens to be a hard-nosed cop, and a just-released ex-con (Dolph!). Peppered in between these storylines are unexplained shark POV shots. These two storylines are introduced in such a way that you might think they’re different movies, neither of which has to do with a shark in a lake.

Though it isn’t entirely clear in the baffling trailer, it’s safe to assume that Dolph’s storyline merges with the cop once they discover that a shark is responsible for the rash of killings occurring in the usually tranquil town of Lake Tahoe. Probably Dolph’s character will find a little redemption; the cop’s hard edges will be slightly softened. This would be all well and good if the rest of the elements in the movie seemed convincing. Sadly, the dialogue and acting seemed wooden and stiff. What’s worse: the shark looked about as menacing as a flaccid gym sock.

I love monster movies, particularly when they star monsters that actually exist, but if the trailer is any indication of the film’s quality, then this movie will be a pass.

Shark Lake will be available on VOD & iTunes, as well as in limited theaters starting October 2nd.