Are you up for a wild ride through shark-infested fields of corn? Strap yourself in, because "Sharks of the Corn" is set to provide an unstoppable whirlwind of both horror and comedy. Director is legendary Tim Ritter, this ultra budget film draws inspiration from Stephen King's famous "Children of the Corn" (1984) and transforms it into a funny and weird joke that'll have you with your head scratching and squatting on the ground with laughter.
A Cornfield Carnival of Chaos
From the beginning of the seemingly normal cornfield "Sharks of the Corn" introduces its quirky nature. We meet Gary and Susan as two of the characters. They quickly fade into the background in the film, before it veers into different ways. The story weaves horror elements and an array of plots and subplots. Together, they create an enthralling mix that could be described as a cornfield-style carnival of chaos.
An Psychopathic Shark Enthusiast
There's Teddy Bo Lucas, a character that adds an extra twist to an unsettling storyline. This psychopathic shark enthusiast has an obsession that is unnatural with fish that inhabit the waters. Just as if the sight of sharks in fields aren't already bizarre enough, Teddy is taking his fascination to an entire new level after they commit a shocking murder inside the room of his motel. This twist of surprise sets the scene for a storm that is filled with intrigue and mystery.
Confusion, Cults Confusion, Cults and Sharks
It gets even more complicated when the authorities blame poor Gary as the perpetrator of Susan's death yet despite the lack of motive. Meanwhile, a shark cult is revealed as a subplot. It introduces us another world where fields of corn and reverence for sharks clash. As if you're not getting much more insane then two inept burglars set out that they will steal a puppy shark from this sect. It's an unpredictable mix of comic and slapstick that will keep you on your toes.
Critiques and Comic Relief
Although "Sharks of the Corn" is a truly unique and unorthodox entertainment, it's certainly not without some flaws. The film is often a jumble of multiple characters and different scenes, making some viewers feel lost and confused by its multiple plots. It's a conscious choice of stylistic design which contributes to the fun and satirical nature of this film however, it might not be everybody's cup of tea.
The production standards of the movie are consciously low and the acting is in the realm of questionable. However, amidst the sea in which performances are mediocre, Steve Guynn shines through with his commendable portrayal, actually embodying his character instead of being merely repeating some lines. This is an uncommon example of genuine acting in a sea in which the actors are exaggerated.
Shark Puppets and Bonkers Plotlines
"Sharks of the Corn" shows its low-budget inclination with affordable effects and been able to create a certain appeal. Most shark attacks are humorously depicted by hand puppets. It adds a touch of absurdity to the film. The absurd plot, that revolves around a shark's cult's strategy to revive a goddess of sharks which is when the film completely unleashes its wit. In reality, though, this inventiveness often does not translate into an engaging viewing experience.
Amateurish Cinematography, Explosions Optional
One area where "Sharks of the Corn" does not quite meet expectations is in its cinematography. The visuals and framing come appear amateurish and lack the polish and finesse that is typically found in mainstream horror films. While this could be an intentional decision to retain the budget-conscious aesthetic but it can affect the performance of the entire experience.
In the final analysis "Sharks of the Corn" is an acquired taste. It's an uninteresting and slow mixture of stories that can take a while to grasp the meaning of. A low production standard confusion in plotlines and uncertain acting are likely to turn off anyone looking for more elegant horror comedy. Although it's a good choice for anyone who likes entertaining films that aren't worth the time "Sharks of the Corn" isn't quite able to deliver humor that one would expect to see.Final Rating A single "Stock Footage Overlay" Out Five
Its (blog post) low-quality footage, narration, actors and editing skills "Sharks of the Corn" will not be able to meet the target. However, despite the possibility of a hilarious spoof, it's unable to produce a cohesive and engaging entertainment. As a reviewer finish with an amusing note: movies, like corn, only get better when they include explosions. Unfortunately, "Sharks of the Corn" isn't quite up to the cut.