"Toxic Shark" deserves some credit as at least trying something different with the ever popular shark attack genre. In this particular entry, a shark is exposed to high levels of arsenic in the ocean and gains the ability to spew acid at potential victims. You would hope that the film would be capable of some kind of environmental message or explanation for how the arsenic got there. We don't get anything of the sort. You might also think that the arsenic would corrupt other wildlife but no. Take that to the limitations of a TV film imposed by higher ups terrified we'll change the channel.
What we do get is a beautiful Puerto Rican setting with many wide environmental shots. Director Cole Sharpe was aware of the limitations of his film and takes advantage of the beautiful scenery and attractive actors. All the men and women are young and beautiful and are rarely seen without their swimsuits. There's eye candy for just about everyone here.
The leads, Eden and Sam, portrayed by Kabby Borders and Bryce Durfee, have ended their relationship on bad terms and their respective friend groups invite them to getaway for spring break. These two have surprisingly good chemistry with each other given their lack of character development during the film. She wants him to take her concerns seriously and he wants to do things his own way. Probably because as a man, Sam isn't emotionally intelligent. You get the feeling these two had a very steamy early relationship. Their friends do not fare as well. Everyone is some version of a common stereotype even if the actors are competent enough for the expected humor they deliver.
As Toxic Shark eats more and more people, Eden and Sam of course grow closer. They end up as the only victims left as everyone is either eaten or zombified, yes zombified. In this film, the shark, which is never established as a zombie, can somehow turn its surviving victims in zombies. This plot point gets no explanation and is featured only in the second half of the film. These zombies are the lame "scary makeup" variety who run around doing nothing. It's a waste. I would have liked some more lore about the shark.
If you live in North America, you can see Toxic Shark on Echo Bridge's "Meg-A-Shark" Blu Ray or DVD set. The film is better than it has to be and never boring as some of the films on the set are. The DVD set is notorious for its disc failure. Go with the Blu Ray if interested.
What we do get is a beautiful Puerto Rican setting with many wide environmental shots. Director Cole Sharpe was aware of the limitations of his film and takes advantage of the beautiful scenery and attractive actors. All the men and women are young and beautiful and are rarely seen without their swimsuits. There's eye candy for just about everyone here.
The leads, Eden and Sam, portrayed by Kabby Borders and Bryce Durfee, have ended their relationship on bad terms and their respective friend groups invite them to getaway for spring break. These two have surprisingly good chemistry with each other given their lack of character development during the film. She wants him to take her concerns seriously and he wants to do things his own way. Probably because as a man, Sam isn't emotionally intelligent. You get the feeling these two had a very steamy early relationship. Their friends do not fare as well. Everyone is some version of a common stereotype even if the actors are competent enough for the expected humor they deliver.
As Toxic Shark eats more and more people, Eden and Sam of course grow closer. They end up as the only victims left as everyone is either eaten or zombified, yes zombified. In this film, the shark, which is never established as a zombie, can somehow turn its surviving victims in zombies. This plot point gets no explanation and is featured only in the second half of the film. These zombies are the lame "scary makeup" variety who run around doing nothing. It's a waste. I would have liked some more lore about the shark.
If you live in North America, you can see Toxic Shark on Echo Bridge's "Meg-A-Shark" Blu Ray or DVD set. The film is better than it has to be and never boring as some of the films on the set are. The DVD set is notorious for its disc failure. Go with the Blu Ray if interested.