Greetings and salutations, and welcome to my review of 1976s Mako: Jaws Of Death
The story gets a 1 out of 2: The trouble with this film is its ridiculous story. The writers barely bother hiding its stupidity. It wouldn't have been so harmful if they'd played it for laughs. I find it strange they ramble through this Shark Whisperer tale as though talking to sharks was typical. I know we all talk to our pets, but this guy believes the sharks talk back to him.
However, I have to say I fully embrace the idea of an eco-warrior trying to save the little fishes. Sharks have been much-aligned for years. It's about time they bit back because of their critical press. It's just a shame the writers decided to handle it in such a manner.
The Direction and Pace receive a 2.25 out of 4: What deems this an okay film is the direction. Most of the sharks are real. However, I'm hoping the multiple deceased ones in the movie were merely rubber props. Otherwise, that makes the moral of the tale hypocritical.
Where the direction falls flat is in the creation of atmosphere. It would've been enjoyable to feel anxious whenever the sharks attacked. But the director films it in a matter-of-fact fashion, which adds a smidgeon of boredom to the scenes. This film needed more tension and scares, which would have made it more powerful. Which, of course, talks of pacing. The movie has a steady pace, and it doesn't work. This style of story cries out for a roller-coaster style tempo. Because of the steadiness, I found my attention faltering.
The Acting gets a 1 out of 2: There are a few known faces in this film, and none of them helped make this film more entertaining. Even the Eco-Hero played by Richard Jaeckel felt out of place with his odd and peculiar character. However, I do have to give him respect because he nailed ominous. This guy can stand and stare, and you know you'll have to fight like hell to survive.
And, my Enjoyment level hits a 0.75 out of 2: Unfortunately, the ridiculous story and principal character hindered Mako too much. Couple that with the monotonous pacing and my failing attention, and you develop a sub-par movie.
The total scores give Mako a 5 out of 10: This is one of those weekend afternoon movies you choose to watch if there's no match. I wouldn't recommend you rush to watch it. In fact, I wouldn't recommend viewing this movie until you've exhausted all your other shark films.
Pull on your speedo's and breaststroke over to my Killer Thriller Chillers and Monstrous lists to see where these misrepresented man-eaters and their bestie drowned in my rankings.
Take care and stay well.
