Review of Sharknado (2013) by Janne S — 02 Nov 2014

Why we love it:

Itâ(TM)s honest. The title doesnâ(TM)t attempt to fool the audience. The first scene doesnâ(TM)t even matter and never is readdressed. The characters speak entirely in elementary dialogue and tornado-fish puns, and it realizes we needed a little bit of that Cassie Scerbo eye candy. The film oh-so-generously went straight to TV so we could enjoy it in from our own couches, and the in-home commentary may be the highlight of the 90 minutes.

Itâ(TM)s a political commentary. It reminds us that we should all be aware of the negative affects of global warming and never underestimate the potentials of Mother Nature. Alternatively, it encourages you to dive even deeper into the sea of possible interpretations. Is it the work of God? Is it an apocalypse of sorts as the news broadcaster suggests before she is eaten alive on TV? But the convenience store clerk nails it: âItâ(TM)s the Government, with a big capital G. Theyâ(TM)re behind everything. They know what we buy, they know what we eat, when we go to the bathroom. They know what kind of cheese I like.â?

Itâ(TM)s scientific. âBombs. Instead of letting live sharks rain down on people, weâ(TM)re going to get into that chopper, throw bombs into the tornado, and blow those bastards to bits!â? Matt uses his flight school training to calculate a flawless solution to the shark-littered twisters wreaking havoc across L.A. Baz teaches his disciples that a tornado is just two winds blowing at different speeds that combine and rotate together. Fin, Matt, and Baz combine their masterful knowledge of nature and physics only to inform us that you can actually just throw a homemade bomb into the center of the cyclone to neutralize it, and the sun comes out immediately after detonation.

Itâ(TM)s thought-provoking. Despite its obvious tone, Sharknado leaves us with questions and stimulating possibilities for round-table discussion. Where are all of the other ocean creatures? Are sharks the only fish that are tornado-compatible? Can a shark fit in my sewage system? Does the government know what kind of cheese I like?

Itâ(TM)s an hour-and-a-half of ridiculous, slapstick, theatrical, scientifically-impossible fun. With few tricks up its sleeve, Sharknado only adds to the list of hysterical Syfy monster-dramas that make for a shamelessly brainless 90 minutes well-spent. And as the movie tagline affirms, âEnough said.â?