Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens

What started out as a super cheesy movie with the first installment, just gradually went faster and faster downhill with each new movie added to the franchise. And this 4th movie sure is the icing on the cake so far - I bet it will be even worse if they continue to make these movies.

"Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens" is now at the point where it stopped being fun, and it was actually somewhat of an embarrassment to witness. The previous movies had fun moments, especially because they were so over the top and so amazingly fake. But by now, it is just a re-run of previously used material, and it is wearing dangerously thin.

The story is essentially the same as in the previous three movies, so nothing much for innovation here. Don't get your hopes up.

The acting in "Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens" was as to be expected, and if you have seen any of the previous three movies, then you know exactly what you are in for, especially since none of the people on the cast list has been particularly improving their acting talents.

The effects, well, let's just say that they were also as to be expected. Cheesy and often hilariously fake special effects. But then again, isn't that what the "Sharknado" movies are sort of pseudo famous for? But "Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens" introduces a whole array of new terrible things, such a lightningnado, stonenado, firenado, and so on. Again, taking things too far out, to the point of embarrassment.

One thing that was working in favor for the movie was the subtle and blunt references to other movies. And if you are a movie fanatic, then you will find a lot of references throughout the course of "Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens".

However, "Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens" was the least entertaining of the current four movies in the franchise. And as such, then my verdict is that this movie scores a meager three out of ten stars.

Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens seemingly had a different tone and atmosphere than the previous films of the series. And the reason for the backlash and criticism is that it is quite different. It isn't as good as the others but it's different in various ways and the writers and team should be applauded for trying something quite different. It's not great but still watchable.

This film felt less like a shark horror comedy and more like an action and superhero film. Enjoyed that this film takes place 5 years after the events of the third film where Tara Reid suffered serious injuries, and although they somewhat remade Tara Reid into a sort of terminator/superhero figure, it was over the top but different.

It moves at a quicker pace yet does feel a little rushed. It is more ridiculous with the inclusions of different type of tornadoes they have merged (we hear "Firenado, Lightningnado, Sandnado"). It is over the top, silly but we come to expect it by now. Overall it really is not that enjoyable, funny or fresh as the previous three but there is still some charm.

As a rewatch 04/30/23' opinions remain same. Some solid moments but overall not very enjoyable.

Sharknado 4 (2016)

** (out of 4)

The fourth film in the series has a company creating a special shield that has prevented any future sharnados. Unfortuantly when Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering) is in Las Vegas the thing breaks down and soon more killer sharks are flying around.

You know, I remember when the original movie aired on SyFy and there wasn't a bit of hype. The film turned out to be a pretty good movie as far as creature features go but sadly it became a social media hit and the producers used this to promote the next three films. SHARKNADO 4 is pretty much the same thing we saw in the previous movies but this one here goes even further in the social media game by having countless cameos from famous and semi-famous people.

For the most part the film is mildly entertaining and especially the first twenty-minutes in Las Vegas. I thought the film managed to have some fast and fun action and there were some creative shark kills as well. The non-stop parading of cameos was a bit annoying but that was to be expected. The biggest problem with the remaining portion of the film is that there just wasn't anything fresh or original. Ziering and Tara Reid did a decent enough of a job but folks like David Hasselhoff and especially Gary Busey were just wasted.

'SHARKNADO 4: THE 4TH AWAKENS': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The fourth installment in the popular Syfy network television film series (which began in 2013). This chapter was once again directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, and Thunder Levin once again wrote the screenplay (the duo performed the same duties on all three previous movies). Actors Ian Ziering and Tara Reid also reprise their starring roles (for the fourth time as well). Other returning cast members (from at least the previous installment) include David Hasselhoff and Ryan Newman; they're joined by newcomers Tommy Davidson, Gary Busey, Masiela Lusha, Cody Linley and Cheryl Tiegs. Cameos (this time around) include Stacey Dash, David Faustino, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Gilbert Gottfried, Steve Guttenberg, Lloyd Kaufman, Vince Neil, Wayne Newton and Al Roker (for his third time). The film has it's moments, but it's not as funny (or as cleverly bad) as the previous three installments.

The story takes place five years after the events of the third film; and there hasn't been a 'sharknado' in all of that time. Thanks to technical genius Aston Reynolds (Davidson), and his company's atmosphere stabilizers. Fin (Ziering) has been enjoying the peace and quiet, and he's now traveling to Las Vegas; for a family reunion. Unfortunately, he soon learns, that his break, from the sharknado action, is now over.

All of the 'SHARKNADO' films are laughably bad, which makes them also somewhat enjoyable. In my opinion the series reached it's peak in 2014 (with the first sequel). Now I think it's definitely running out of steam. This chapter is still mildly enjoyable, and it's also not really any worse than the other three chapters (how could it be). Fans of the series will probably still enjoy it.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/AZDkLpTvRzc

There are a couple of stabs directed at Star Wars (and one on Star Trek). But riffing on something popular does not make your movie really good. On the other hand, I don't think anyone will ever accuse the Sharknado movies of being intellectual or really something with gravitas (no pun intended of course).

There are quite a few cameos and star appearances (one from a fellow actor from another beast Scy-Fi movie with different animals as beasts. Btw. that other movie worked way better for many different reasons. So while CGI still is not anywhere near current tech, I don't reckon this will break the movie for you, if otherwise you liked it. It is really low and has me still wondering how there are still more of these to come ... Part 5 is confirmed for 2017