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Geek Vibes Nation
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
‘Hot Spring Shark Attack' Review – A Zany Shark Film That Spoofs And Idolizes
There is a sure guarantee that during the dog days of summer, there will likely be at least one shark movie. Summer 2025 has brought many a dorsal fin, but none as outlandish and outrageous as Hot Spring Shark Attack. In a send-up that runs through a grocery list of genre movie tropes and clichés, the story itself feels like a leftover storyboard from the Sharknado movies. So bad it's good? Yes, and that is a compliment, because this film goes out of its way to be one giant spoof of a movie. The earnest nature of the film's lampoon is worthy of praise. Set in a small hot spring town in Japan, a series of events reawakens an ancient shark that begins terrorizing the local hot spring facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople unite to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator, culminating in a fierce and thrilling battle. Hot Spring Shark Attack is one extended, winding spoof of every shark movie. A scene where a body on the beach is found is right out of the opening of Jaws. Our brave leaders do battle against the beast in a submarine reminiscent of The Meg. In addition to shark flare, the movie lampoons a multitude of genre films, including superhero films. There is a he-man seen throwing a hammerhead shark from the ocean in an exchange right out of Aquaman. They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and while I would not call this Hot Spring Shark Attack flattering, it is bold in its desire to create a so-bad-it's-good movie. The effects in the film are laughable. We're talking almost entry-level film school, or backyard movie-making that's not quite up to par, but that's the point. The ludicrous nature of both the story and its execution is intentional. If this film pretended to be a gripping drama, or even a melodrama, we'd need more than a bigger boat to bail out of this mess. However, the decision to go overboard with the blatantly crude effects and over-the-top story gives this film a flavor and credibility that few shark films achieve. Jaws set the standard, and no film has cleared the bar set by Steven Spielberg's now fifty-year-old masterpiece. The challenge for newcomers trying to make a shark film is over-exaggeration and finding a new way to give the shark new teeth, so to speak. By comparison, even films with the best intentions find themselves barely treading the water. In other words, Jaws did it so well in 1975 that every other attempt sinks to the bottom of the sea. Here is why films like Sharknado, which are blatantly ludicrous, have at least resonated with audiences. The art of the spoof, even when the cast is taking the material seriously, gives these films some buoyancy to stay afloat. Hot Spring Shark Attack is by no means a comparison to the other shark-lampooning movies. Still, it is clever enough to check all the boxes we associate with this particular subgenre. It still delivers a hilarious and outright bonkers story: levitating and airborne sharks, comic book-level explosions, and sharky shenanigans. Sharks in a hot spring, why not? The hilarious locale only adds to the film's earnest cleverness. Once we buy into this ridiculous setup, the rest is easy sailing. Every actor here is aware of the film's aims and plays it to the hilt. There are no brainless character decisions or blatant archetypes. Well, there are, from a police chief to a shark expert to concerned bathers. However, herein lies the film's silly brilliance. All the characters are playing to type. They are unaware that this is a spoof, yet they give us performances and reactions worthy of a Scary Movie entry. Hot Spring Shark Attack will overwhelm some by the sheer magnitude of its farce. Yes, the effects are subpar, but everything here is intentional. We roar with laughter as the film lampoons and lambasts the subgenre of shark films. The impact is both cringeworthy and somewhat refreshing, but overall, it's enjoyable. Hot Spring Shark Attack is playing in select theaters and is available on VOD courtesy of Utopia.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jason Statham Shows Incredible Stunt Prowess At 57 By Diving Off A Yacht, And Vin Diesel And Ludacris Have Thoughts
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Everyone in the world knows Jason Statham as an action star leading films like Crank, The Meg and The Beekeeper in addition to his part within the Fast And Furious franchise... but did you know that he has a serious background as a diver? Years before his breakout in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and even before his modeling career (yes, he had a modeling career), Statham spent a dozen years on Britain's National Swimming Squad and competed in multiple events in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Knowing this, it's weirdly not at all surprising to see photos of the actor performing some extreme dives off of a yacht in a new Instagram post filled with vacation pictures – but one nonetheless has to appreciate the love shared in the comments section by some of his Fast & Furious castmates. Check out the gallery of photos below: If you didn't know about Jason Statham's history as a legit diver, you probably could have figured out that he has some kind of background in the sport from that first photo. The guy might be decades removed from his heyday in the pool, but that shot demonstrates the form of an Olympian (and kudos to the uncredited photographer!). As for the reactions... I think you can also probably guess what Vin Diesel had to say about this collection of vacation photos. The actor doesn't comment on Jason Statham's diving prowess or skills while operating a jet ski. Instead, he focuses on who his co-star is hanging out with and cites what he has long said (and oft-repeated) is the core theme of the Fast & Furious franchise: Family… Perfectly on brand. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, on the other hand, left a comment suggesting that he is well aware of Jason Statham's background as an athlete and complemented his maintained skills with three words of adulation and a pair of knowing emojis: Still got it 🏊♂️ 🫡 It's fun to see Jason Statham, Vin Diesel and Ludacris interacting on social media... but when will we get to see Deckard Shaw, Dominic Torretto, or Tej Parker back together again? That question doesn't have a firm answer quite yet, but at the very least we do now have a release window for Fast X: Part 2 / Fast And Furious 11. At the end of last month, Diesel attended an event in Southern California and told the audience gathered there that Universal Pictures is targeting an April 2027 release date – meaning that production will likely begin at the end of next year or the start of 2026. Director Louis Leterrier is back in the director's chair after helming Fast X, and Diesel has made three promises about the sequel: the action will return to Los Angeles, the story will return to be about car culture, and Dom will have an on-screen reunion with Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker's character, who has not appeared in a Fast & Furious movie since Walker's death during the production of Furious 7). The film will also need to provide a conclusion to the many cliffhangers in the previous chapter, including the return of Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbes; the resurrection of Gal Gadot's Gisele Yashar; the fate of the flight that had Tej, Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Han (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) on board; and the peril faced by Dom and his son below a breaking dam. Stay tuned for more updates about the project here on CinemaBlend, and check out our Upcoming Action Movie guide to learn about all of the ass-kicking projects on the horizon. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida
It's been 50 years since 'Jaws' first terrorized a generation of moviegoers. Nowadays, fans are more likely to squeal with delight than fear over the beloved Universal franchise, which still has an entire Amity Village at Universal Studios Japan. But fans don't have to go that far to celebrate the film's golden anniversary this summer. Here's what to do at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Do they still have Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood? Yes. There's still a Jaws encounter on the World-Famous Studio Tour. (Tip: Sit to the right of the tram for the best view.) The tour is available all year long, but guests may notice a 'Jaws' addition to the Hollywood sign replica this summer. As part of Universal Studios Hollywood's Mega Movie Summer through Aug. 10, guests can also snap photos with the park's hanging shark, which has been brought back for an anniversary photo opp, along with a new meet-and-greet with Captain Quint and Chief Brody. Guests can find these outside the WaterWorld attraction. The California park has also temporarily transformed its quick-service Hollywood & Dine restaurant into Amity Island Cafe. Its 'Jaws'-inspired menu includes a lobster roll, a vegan crab cake sandwich and an oversized donut that looks like a lifesaver. From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg': Ranking the 10 best shark movies of all time Is Jaws still at Universal Studios Florida? Universal Orlando Resort's Jaws ride retired in 2012. However, its hanging shark is still displayed year-round. In honor of the film's 50th anniversary, Universal Studios Florida has also brought out two additional photo opps tied to the former attraction: one is its original billboard; the other looks like one of the boats from the ride, being chased by a shark. Guests will find these in the park's San Francisco area through July 6, along with limited-time "Jaws"-themed snacks. Each night until Aug. 24, guests can catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, on the park's waterfront before closing. The nighttime show features dancing fountains, projections, and music from some of Universal's most iconic films, including 'Jaws.' Pending weather, each day through Nov. 13, guests can also catch the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which features live characters, floats and Easter eggs from various Universal films, including 'Jaws.' Dates are subject to change. Guests should check Universal Orlando's free app for the latest updates.
Tom's Guide
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
7 best shark thrillers like 'Jaws' to sink your teeth into
Fifty years ago, a great white shark terrorized the residents of Amity Island in "Jaws," Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about three men and their pursuit of the titular terror became one of the most influential movies in cinematic history. 'Jaws' reshaped Hollywood, as the high-concept premise and ingenious marketing created the template for summer blockbusters going forward. Because 'Jaws' is a landmark movie, it completely ruined the shark thriller genre. Every killer shark movie will always be compared to 'Jaws.' It's an unfair standard, but one that will always be implemented. The seven shark thrillers on this list are not in the same ballpark as 'Jaws." However, they all have enough redeeming qualities to warrant a stream. Action hero Jason Statham fears no man. The Englishman has made a career as the cunning, tough guy who loves to fight. After defeating every man in his path, Statham went to the sea for a new challenge in 'The Meg.' Years after a devastating mission, rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Statham) is recruited by a research facility to rescue a crew on a submersible stuck at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Not even Jonas could have predicted what's waiting for him in the trench — a 75-foot giant shark known as the Megalodon (Meg for short). Lo and behold, the Meg escapes to the surface and wreaks havoc. 'The Meg' combines the spirit of a B-movie with the budget of a blockbuster and gets an amusing and ridiculous creature feature. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Rent/buy on Amazon or Apple If you're not an experienced diver, just admit it! The situation in '47 Meters Down' could have been avoided had sisters Kate (Claire Holt) and Lisa (Mandy Moore) told the truth. Instead, they let the captain drop them in a shark cage in the ocean. The line attached at the top of the cage breaks, sending the sisters straight to the ocean floor, 47 meters below the surface. With their oxygen supply dwindling and sharks circling nearby, the sisters must work together to stay alive long enough to be rescued. While not the best B-movie, '47 Meters Down' features several effective jump scares, and it successfully positions the sharks as ruthless killing machines that the audience will fear. Watch on Prime Video In the '90s, creature features carried the attitude that the more ridiculous, the better. 'Deep Blue Sea' was unapologetic about going over the top. One killer shark? No, thank you. Try three genetically engineered monsters that are faster, stronger and more violent than the average mako shark. Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) believes the brain tissue from these sharks can cure Alzheimer's disease. But she didn't account for the sharks outsmarting humans and using their island research facility as a hunting ground. Some of the kills are laughable, but director Renny Harlin smartly embraced the film's excessive and crafted delightful popcorn entertainment. Most importantly, always remember that the perfect omelette is made with two eggs, not three. Rent/buy on Amazon or Apple How could a shark find its way into the Seine? Don't sharks survive in salt water as opposed to freshwater? These questions posed in 'Under Paris' can be answered with two words: climate change. After a mako shark named Lilith kills her entire research team, Sophia Assalas (Bérénice Bejo) abandons the ocean to work in the confines of an aquarium in Paris. Somehow, Lilith makes her way into the Seine River. The shark can quickly adapt to new surroundings, a necessary mutation she learned due to the effects of climate change. With a triathlon scheduled for the Seine, Sophia must stop Lilith from transforming the river into a bloodbath. Watch on Netflix 'Open Water' might feature a relationship, but make no mistake — this is not a date movie. Also, if you've ever wanted to go scuba diving, then don't watch 'Open Water.' But if you're interested in an atmospheric horror, then give this independent thriller a shot. Daniel (Daniel Travis) and Susan (Blanchard Ryan) embark on a scuba diving trip, believing it will help repair their relationship. The trip becomes a nightmare when the boat mistakenly leaves the couple stranded in the middle of the ocean. Oh, and sharks are lurking beneath the water. Again, it's a great horror movie that's bad to watch as a couple. Watch on Tubi B-movie veteran Jaume Collet-Serra was the perfect choice to direct 'The Shallows.' Collet-Serra's affinity for gritty violence paired perfectly with a shark attack story. Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) is a medical student still grieving the loss of her mother. Nancy visits a secluded beach in Mexico for some surfing and relaxation. On her last wave of the day, a great white shark bites Nancy's leg, forcing her to stay on an isolated rock 200 yards away from shore. Time is ticking because the tide will eventually submerge the rock. Lively goes full action heroine and battles the shark in this terrific survival thriller. Watch on Starz The latest entry on the list is a film that's currently in theaters from Shudder and IFC. If 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Jaws' had a baby, it would be 'Dangerous Animals.' Director Sean Byrne made a shark thriller where the real monster is on the boat. Tucker (Jai Courtney) runs a cage diving business. As you find out, it's a front for his real passion — feeding tourists to sharks and filming their deaths. Tucker meets his match in Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), a rebellious surfer he kidnaps who won't go down without a fight. Backed by an insane performance from Courtney and a star-making turn from Harrison, 'Dangerous Animals' is a sharp genre thriller that will gain an even bigger following once it hits streaming.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida Show Caption Hide Caption Top 3 scary moments in 'Jaws' 'Jaws' turns 50 this summer and USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt celebrates with his favorite bloody moments. Universal Studios Hollywood features a "Jaws" encounter on the Studio Tour, along with photo opportunities and themed dining at Amity Island Cafe. Universal Studios Florida no longer has the Jaws ride, but offers photo opportunities with "Jaws"-themed props and limited-time snacks. Both parks celebrate the film's 50th anniversary with special events and entertainment, including a "Jaws"-themed parade and nighttime show. It's been 50 years since 'Jaws' first terrorized a generation of moviegoers. Nowadays, fans are more likely to squeal with delight than fear over the beloved Universal franchise, which still has an entire Amity Village at Universal Studios Japan. But fans don't have to go that far to celebrate the film's golden anniversary this summer. Here's what to do at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Do they still have Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood? Yes. There's still a Jaws encounter on the World-Famous Studio Tour. (Tip: Sit to the right of the tram for the best view.) The tour is available all year long, but guests may notice a 'Jaws' addition to the Hollywood sign replica this summer. As part of Universal Studios Hollywood's Mega Movie Summer through Aug. 10, guests can also snap photos with the park's hanging shark, which has been brought back for an anniversary photo opp, along with a new meet-and-greet with Captain Quint and Chief Brody. Guests can find these outside the WaterWorld attraction. The California park has also temporarily transformed its quick-service Hollywood & Dine restaurant into Amity Island Cafe. Its 'Jaws'-inspired menu includes a lobster roll, a vegan crab cake sandwich and an oversized donut that looks like a lifesaver. From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg': Ranking the 10 best shark movies of all time Is Jaws still at Universal Studios Florida? Universal Orlando Resort's Jaws ride retired in 2012. However, its hanging shark is still displayed year-round. In honor of the film's 50th anniversary, Universal Studios Florida has also brought out two additional photo opps tied to the former attraction: one is its original billboard; the other looks like one of the boats from the ride, being chased by a shark. Guests will find these in the park's San Francisco area through July 6, along with limited-time "Jaws"-themed snacks. Each night until Aug. 24, guests can catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, on the park's waterfront before closing. The nighttime show features dancing fountains, projections, and music from some of Universal's most iconic films, including 'Jaws.' Pending weather, each day through Nov. 13, guests can also catch the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which features live characters, floats and Easter eggs from various Universal films, including 'Jaws.' Dates are subject to change. Guests should check Universal Orlando's free app for the latest updates.
