Read Positive User Reviews for The Shallows

7

GetDaRekM8Aug 28, 2016

I wouldn't really classify this as a horror movie, it's more of a thriller survival movie. This movie is basically a remake of 127 hours but instead of the desert you have an ocean. The plot of the film is very weak but it does the job ofI wouldn't really classify this as a horror movie, it's more of a thriller survival movie. This movie is basically a remake of 127 hours but instead of the desert you have an ocean. The plot of the film is very weak but it does the job of making you understand the full picture. For the most part it's a good movie, but some things in this movie are just way to unrealistic, and somethings are just flat out dumb.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

juliankennedy23Feb 17, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you ever wondered what would happen if Asylum gave someone talented the $8.60 to make a SyFy movie. And that person actually hired other people who were talented, and sticking with the stringent parameters of the Syfy channel (must have a girl in a bikini and a shark preferably a giant flying one) made a movie. Well, wonder no more. The Shallows is an Asylum movie with good CGI, effective direction, gorgeous cinematography, talented acting and a serviceable script. The lack of campiness in the movie is actually a smidge of a drawback as one takes very seriously what is essentially a shark attack movie. And since we take the movie seriously its third act flaws are only more apparent. If the movie was staying true to its tone it certainly should have opted for a darker more realistic ending. Instead, it goes off the rails with a shark that turns into Jason Voorhees and a heroine that might as well be holding a chainsaw.

I liked the seagull and I have never found Blake Lively more appealing and I find her ability to wear a bikini bottom the entire movie somewhat brave. The wife was convinced it was Chris Cooper as the father but it turns out it is Brett Cullen who is a by appearances a discount Chris Cooper. He needs to ask for more money. I am pretty sure abandoned surf beaches in Mexico lack both Uber service let alone such good cell phone service. I am also positive that most sharks would ignore you with such a big easy meal floating 50 yards away. All that said the film is very well done and acted and while the story doesn't include a flying giant octopus or comic relief I think it would make a good Syfy movie. A very good one indeed.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

SpangleJun 26, 2016

A thrilling and entertaining piece of modern film, The Shallows features all of the trapping of a cash grab teen scream flick - attractive lead, use of texting, and a bad trailer - but it transcends them all by being a smartly crafted, tight,A thrilling and entertaining piece of modern film, The Shallows features all of the trapping of a cash grab teen scream flick - attractive lead, use of texting, and a bad trailer - but it transcends them all by being a smartly crafted, tight, and taut thriller. While I admit that Blake Lively knows how to wear a bikini, this is certainly not the focal point as she proves doubters wrong by kicking ass from beginning to end. Director Jaume Collet-Serra does a good job creating well crafted thrills, instead of relying on cheap jump scares and like. Instead, a chilly atmosphere and sense of permeating dread is a constant presence in the film. However, Lively takes center stage here as pretty much the only actor we encounter (aside from a few brief side characters). Though she had not done much to inspire hope as an actress with this much screen time, she knocks it out of the park. While not award winning by any means, her performance is quite good and hints at some untapped potential. Additionally, the cinematography is breath taking, resulting in one of the prettiest end credits I have ever seen. Though, from beginning to end, the film has a fantastic look and feel that maximizes on the fantastic setting, even when things turn dire. Overall, The Shallows is not the best film of the year by any means, but is is perfect summertime counter programming. Entertaining, thrilling, and well made, The Shallows delivers.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

Iserlohn14Dec 18, 2016

I had low expectations, but it was surprisingly good. Lively really commits to the role, and sure, she's easy on the eyes too. It either really makes me want to go surfing, or really not want to go...

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

calebowensmallJun 25, 2016

This movie was just overall great. Out of all the great white shark movies that have been released since jaws, this is the first to actually be good, and SCARY. The acting was great, Blake Livley is an amazing actress, and I see very goodThis movie was just overall great. Out of all the great white shark movies that have been released since jaws, this is the first to actually be good, and SCARY. The acting was great, Blake Livley is an amazing actress, and I see very good things for her in the future. And FINALLY, A SHARK THAT LOOKS COMPLETELY REAL!! It's about time. This is a must see for the summer, and I look forward to owning The Shallows on DVD.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

milehighcrewAug 6, 2016

Decided to see this movie after reading some good reviews and a few recommendations. If you haven't seen this and you are looking for something different I thought this was a smart and interesting movie. It isn't perfect but very entertainingDecided to see this movie after reading some good reviews and a few recommendations. If you haven't seen this and you are looking for something different I thought this was a smart and interesting movie. It isn't perfect but very entertaining and really isn't that why we like movies?… Expand

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8

cxcJun 26, 2016

I really enjoyed this movie! Blake Lively gave an awesome performance and was very convincing throughout the movie. The shark for the most part actually looked pretty real. It was tense and the finale was very exciting to watch. Yes there isI really enjoyed this movie! Blake Lively gave an awesome performance and was very convincing throughout the movie. The shark for the most part actually looked pretty real. It was tense and the finale was very exciting to watch. Yes there is some unbelievable actions by the shark, such as continually going after Blake's character, but it was still a very enjoyable film.… Expand

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7

Muskrat147Jul 11, 2016

Benefiting from an outstanding performance from Blake Lively, The Shallows is a stellar shark flick filled with emotion and tense action, even if the film can't quite compete with that of Jaws.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

batlantern87Jun 26, 2016

This movie is essentially if Jaws and Cast Away had a baby. Part survival story with a solid performance by Lively and part great shark thriller! At a breezy 87 minutes it's a great way to spend your night at the movies. They don't bog youThis movie is essentially if Jaws and Cast Away had a baby. Part survival story with a solid performance by Lively and part great shark thriller! At a breezy 87 minutes it's a great way to spend your night at the movies. They don't bog you down with huge and pointless narrative they give you a likable character for you to root for! Well worth the price of addmission!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

Lambo442Sep 22, 2016

This is a beautifully shot movie in a gorgeous location juxtaposed with a not-so-beautiful shark with a hankering for human flesh. There's jut enough character development to keep you engaged in the protagonists fight for survival and theThis is a beautifully shot movie in a gorgeous location juxtaposed with a not-so-beautiful shark with a hankering for human flesh. There's jut enough character development to keep you engaged in the protagonists fight for survival and the action is well paced and builds nicely up until the all-out close quarters battle between woman and fish. Some of he lower scores really confuse me as to me it's pretty much a perfect piece of cinema, hugely suspenseful and entertaining if not a little far - fetched at times and somewhat unoriginal. A fantastic film really… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

GinaKJun 28, 2016

The Shallows is a very enjoyable summer movie, more like Open Water than like Jaws where Spielberg takes a broader, more complex and colorful view of the dynamics and politics of a summer community while the human vs shark confrontation comesThe Shallows is a very enjoyable summer movie, more like Open Water than like Jaws where Spielberg takes a broader, more complex and colorful view of the dynamics and politics of a summer community while the human vs shark confrontation comes only very late in the film. The Shallows is almost all one-on-one in isolation, except for a bit of sentimental background early on. But let’s give the director credit for not exploiting Blake Lively’s body more than necessary and for Lively not getting too sentimental on us and keeping her emotional dignity. Most of the film is an interesting “chess game” played between the shark and the gutsy main character, and the director makes the film and suspense work without stretching our belief in what happens too far. Lively is determined (as is the shark) and the contest is fun and engaging to watch.… Expand

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7

bfoore90Jun 25, 2016

Probably the best Shark movie I've seen since Jaws. While its obviously not as good as Jaws, its still probably the best Shark/survival movie I've seen in a very long time. Led by a surprising performance by Blake Lively as she carries thisProbably the best Shark movie I've seen since Jaws. While its obviously not as good as Jaws, its still probably the best Shark/survival movie I've seen in a very long time. Led by a surprising performance by Blake Lively as she carries this entire movie and is able to act without speaking, which is insanely hard to do. In the midst of all this chaos, you care about her and you want her character to survive. The movie is only 85 minutes in length and it makes the most of it with a pretty good handful of thrills and jumps that keep you entertained despite a so/so script. The ending on the other hand I felt was somewhat anti-climatic and lacked emotion and satisfaction.… Expand

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9

MadMaxFuryRoadJul 1, 2016

No, The Shallows is not perfect, but Blake Lively is. She gave an amazing performance and this shark movie really had my eyes focused on the screen intensely. Blake Lively was very hot in this film and they made her wear a swimsuit for nearlyNo, The Shallows is not perfect, but Blake Lively is. She gave an amazing performance and this shark movie really had my eyes focused on the screen intensely. Blake Lively was very hot in this film and they made her wear a swimsuit for nearly the whole movie. The film itself and its plot wasn't perfect, but it was entertaining given the short 87 minutes runtime. I honestly hoped this movie was longer, but the film wasn't rushed and it took the time to make the audience feel suspense, which was by far the second best thing about this film. The suspense really had me watching and I really loved how the director would have the camera go underwater and above water. The trailer did spoil some things so I kinda guessed where this movie would go. Overall, The Shallows was a really fun film, but for some reason I felt like the film wasn't a huge hit and it seemed like a forgettable movie. But go see The Shallows as Blake Lively is great and the shark scenes are definitely worth it. (89/100)… Expand

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7

DatamariJun 28, 2016

When it seems as if shark movies are dead, The Shallows rises up from... the shallows. I tried, i'm sorry.

We're in a period in time when shark movies are treated like action-adventure films with movies like Sharknado and... 2-HeadedWhen it seems as if shark movies are dead, The Shallows rises up from... the shallows. I tried, i'm sorry.

We're in a period in time when shark movies are treated like action-adventure films with movies like Sharknado and... 2-Headed Shark Attack. But from the depths of Hollywood's creativity, we have a refreshing breath of fresh air simply known as The Shallows. Directed by the same guy behind Run All Night and the underrated Orphan, The Shallows follows Blake Lively as she tries to survive a great white shark as it circles it's feeding ground. I found the movie to be a very well directed, acted, and executed thriller. Blake Lively gave a good performance, in one way or another, and the tension was real. I was on the edge of my seat for a few scenes, considering how real the CGI shark looked. However, sometimes the film has a bit of an identity crisis, sometimes going from a teen-beach flick to a suspenseful shark thriller. Movies like Jaws built up the tension straight out of the gate so that you knew what you were in for, but with The Shallows, some people may be turned off by the upbeat tone of a supposed spooky shark film. Also, sometimes the film decides to go into slo-mo a lot, and I mean a LOT, for some reason. You can make a lot of action happen in one scene, but you don't need to drag out the movie by making it seem like something big is going to happen that will change the character's dilemma.
Overall, The Shallows is a fun thriller that, much like Money Monster last month, really isn't anything special. It isn't the Jaws of this generation, it's just one of those movies that you can go out and see on a date night, a rainy day when it comes out on Blu-Ray, nothing else is going on that day, etc. I liked the tension, the craft, and the strong performance by Blake Lively, and i'm not talking about how good she looks in a swimsuit, but ultimately, if you've got nothing else better to do that day and you've already seen Finding Dory and The Conjuring 2, this film will hold your attention, but it's nothing special, really.

The Shallows gets a 7/10.… Expand

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7

MD5774Jul 24, 2016

This movie was a surprise. For a suspenful type survival movie it delivers . If a person likes over the top crazy action in a shark movie , this movie is not for you .

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7

Dodringo64Jun 24, 2016

I was actually exited to see this film since the story itself sounds really thrilling, plus I just love shark films like Jaws. Also, it seems like people don't care about shark films any more when stuff such as Sharknado is a thing. And oneI was actually exited to see this film since the story itself sounds really thrilling, plus I just love shark films like Jaws. Also, it seems like people don't care about shark films any more when stuff such as Sharknado is a thing. And one final thing, the director actually made three really enjoyable Liam Neesom movies in the past, and also made House Of Wax, which kinda sucked.

So, after seeing the movie, is it as good as Jaws? Nope. Honestly, it was just fun. It never reached the dramatic heights that I wanted it to or that it was even aiming for. It's actually a pretty serious movie at times, there's some kind of backstory with the main character with something that happened with her family in the past, I won't go into spoilers for your sake. I really feel that this movie really didn't reach the dramatic heights that it was aiming for, although the actress, Blake Lively, gave an amazing perfomance in this movie and the shark is actually a really well done CGI shark. The one thing that really bugged me about this movie was the tone. It had a very conflicting tone. It starts out with very upbeat music and then feels much more serious with the shark and then you get more intense music, so the movie was unable to sustain that feeling of suspense. Jaws started building up the tension right from the get-go but this movie doesn't do that, it feels very modern with some of the music choices. Even some of the directing choices were weird, they really overused slow-mo in this film which annoyed me. So, one last thing and the major complaint for me about this film, was some of the story choices. So, there is a question being constantly repeated throughout the movie, again, no spoilers, and this question is just suddenly dropped without ever giving you an answer.

So, overall, The Shallows was a well-made, competently directed for the most part and exiting to watch...for the most part. Yeah, some bad choices were made but really, it's not so bad. This movie deserves a 7, good but definitely not great.… Expand

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7

TheQuietGamerOct 6, 2016

Director Jaume Collet-Serra brings us the best shark flick in years. He also delivers more of that exciting visual flair that helped elevate his Liam Neeson action flicks, Run All Night and Non-Stop, to more than just Taken cash-ins. Yes,Director Jaume Collet-Serra brings us the best shark flick in years. He also delivers more of that exciting visual flair that helped elevate his Liam Neeson action flicks, Run All Night and Non-Stop, to more than just Taken cash-ins. Yes, it's a very beautiful movie, and not just because of Blake Lively. What really helps The Shallows though is that it's just a genuinely good shark movie. Probably the best this side of Jaws.

It's pretty slow paced though. A lot of the early tension simply comes from the believability of the events. Watching a young woman, wounded and on her own, in a perilous situation. There's a lot of just watching try to figure out how to keep herself alive while she's losing blood. It's pretty entertaining and makes for a great survival movie.

But don't worry, The Shallows doesn't shy away from tense, more action-packed shark attack moments. Those are just reserved for the final act. These moments are exciting and a heck of a lot of fun. These moments are where the movie kind of takes a turn for what is perhaps more unrealistic, but it's just as enjoyable to watch as the final conflict with Jaws was (and still is) all those years ago.

So how about those visuals I was talking about? Simply put, it can be a stunning film. The location is unbelievably gorgeous. Jaume Collet-Serra really focuses on emphasizing that early on with what are perhaps some of the most gratuitous and beautiful shots of water and scenery ever put on film. The director also indulges in displaying the beauty of Lively's body. I thank him for both.

That's not to say everything is flawless with the visuals though. It does have several moments of truly subpar CGI. You can tell there was a budget. When the shark is CGI for the more exciting bits of action, it takes away some of the terror that could have otherwise been there. I can't complain too much though. These moments are still fun to watch.

While not without it's flaws, The Shallows is a heck of a lot of fun. A welcome return to the more serious, yet still fun shark movies of yesteryear. Sharknado this is not. We get something a little more respectable and that can be enjoyed in more than just a "so bad, it's good" kind of way. It's the best shark movie in years (admittedly, that's not saying much) and is worth taking a breaking a break from re-watching Jaws to check out.

7.9/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

terrible_lizardJul 9, 2016

The first two-thirds of the movie are deadly serious, while the last third turns a bit campy. However this works in the film's favor, as a stress reliever. The underwater camera work is excellent, and the wounded seagull is the best non-humanThe first two-thirds of the movie are deadly serious, while the last third turns a bit campy. However this works in the film's favor, as a stress reliever. The underwater camera work is excellent, and the wounded seagull is the best non-human companion since Wilson. If you want some dread, some jump scares and a brave Blake Lively (with a lively rear end), check it out.… Expand

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7

ReubenIsAGodOct 31, 2016

A very enjoyable shark survival film. Solidly entertaining. Their reallllyyy isn't much else to this film. No deep philosophical underling about the human condition. Just basically shark survival. I mean. Its an absolute blast of a time andA very enjoyable shark survival film. Solidly entertaining. Their reallllyyy isn't much else to this film. No deep philosophical underling about the human condition. Just basically shark survival. I mean. Its an absolute blast of a time and definitely worth the ticket price.… Expand

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8

Jim222001Jun 15, 2017

While the Shallows isn't one of those big summer movies you waited for. The Shallows is one of the better summer movies. Due to a solid Blake Lively (Savages) and it's at least a convincing shark attack movie until the end that is.
The movieWhile the Shallows isn't one of those big summer movies you waited for. The Shallows is one of the better summer movies. Due to a solid Blake Lively (Savages) and it's at least a convincing shark attack movie until the end that is.
The movie had me at the edge of my seat throughout. Even when it got unrealistic by the end; I still rooted for Blake Lively's survival.… Expand

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9

FuturedirectorFeb 21, 2017

Smart, thrilling and brilliantly interpreted, The Shallows brings another typical "shark-thriller", but it has enough originality and entertainment to be enjoyable. Viewers will not be disappointed.

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10

BlueDem666Jul 3, 2016

Really enjoyed this movie! I've been waiting for a shark movie that is actually scary. Most movies shark related are B movies like Sharknado but this one is actually scary. I'd put this on the list with the Jaws series and Deep Blue Sea asReally enjoyed this movie! I've been waiting for a shark movie that is actually scary. Most movies shark related are B movies like Sharknado but this one is actually scary. I'd put this on the list with the Jaws series and Deep Blue Sea as actually good shark movies. Worthwhile to watch if you like shark movies!… Expand

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7

cashtillJul 6, 2016

Jaws had such a profound impact on me as a kid, both positive and negative. So, naturally I was really drawn to another great Shark Tale. (no, not the Will Smith kind... God no!) Spielberg's Jaws terrified me in a way that kept me away fromJaws had such a profound impact on me as a kid, both positive and negative. So, naturally I was really drawn to another great Shark Tale. (no, not the Will Smith kind... God no!) Spielberg's Jaws terrified me in a way that kept me away from most large bodies of water for years. I was always drawn to another "big animal" film that could give me the same "feels". The Shallows trailer painted a picture that leaned in that general direction. Unfortunately, after seeing the actual film... it scratched the itch, but didn't leave me with that "Ahhh... that's-what-I-was-looking-for-"- feeling. The film was definitely frightening at times, leaving me squirming in my seat for the duration of the slow-burn. It was a film made in 2016 so I expected a lot of CGI... The shark looked good, not great. Blake Lively's face overtop of an actual surfer's face, not great and I expected a lot of unrealistic motives of the shark species. This shark was tenacious! The great white could be seen biting through metal, fire, and surf boards as if that was it's morning ritual. I feel the movie could have been much more terrifying if the kept the "realistic" tone to it. Several unnecessary elements plagued this movie to keep me from truly being engaged. I was able to look past the quick-character-development tropes and see the film for what it was, happily, until the last 15 minutes. The last 15 minutes promptly took me out of their world and back into mine. That is not where I wanted to be.… Expand

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7

LeZeeOct 24, 2016

Very close to the shore, yet too far and dangerous to attempt.

I'm sure you have seen shark attack films like 'Jaws', 'Deep Blue Sea' et cetera, and yep this another one to add to that collection. But this was something very neatly done, IVery close to the shore, yet too far and dangerous to attempt.

I'm sure you have seen shark attack films like 'Jaws', 'Deep Blue Sea' et cetera, and yep this another one to add to that collection. But this was something very neatly done, I mean for the most of the parts. Looked so real, so I thought it might end up top among its similar theme. In the end, I was little disappointed, because of the shark. The portrayal of shark was very natural, until the last half an hour. Then it becomes the common film gimmick when the animal was obsessed to kill its target at any cost.

I am a huge animal fan, but I have never seen a live shark in my life and that does not mean I don't know anything about them. Thanks to the nature television networks and what I saw in this film was very disappointing if you love wild animals. I am not supporting the shark here, I'm just talking about its behaviour. It was not right, other than that, I definitely enjoyed the film. In fact, except the final few minutes, since the shark got pumped up, I had no issue and the best shark attack film. But the final battle ruined overall favour I'm going to give to it, what I thought this film deserved.

Great location, and Blake Lively was unbelievably awesome. In the initial part, she was very sexy, but once the narration shifted its focus on surfing and later shark attack, everything changed. The entire film was edgy, I think very nicely written screenplay. It was a limited cast film and nearly the whole film takes place very close to the shore. A good start, neatly maintained mid part, but a below par conclusion, that's what I think about the film. Slightly missed to be a great film in the line of '127 Hours'. In fact, this looks like a sea version of that film. But I still recommend it, because it's worth.

6.5/10… Expand