The Shallows (2016)

"The Shallows" stars Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada, Sedona Legge, and Brett Cullen.  Released on June 24, 2016, the film is about a stranded surfer who must use her wits and determination to survive a great white shark attack.

The film is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who also directed films such as House of Wax, Orphan, Non-Stop, and Run All Night.  If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I am not a big fan of sharks.  Even though I haven't seen one in person, watching them on television makes me afraid to go into the water.  Collet-Serra is known for delivering tension-filled films such is the case with Non-Stop and last year's action drama, Run All Night.  This basic shark film is no different, and that's OK.

Pros:
Blake Lively delivered a heart-pounding performance as Nancy.

The amount of tension was brilliantly directed.

Decent screenplay.

The running time was suitable for its plot (87 minutes).  Not too long and not too short.

Cons:
The storyline is a typical by-the-numbers shark attack film.

The third act got a bit unrealistic at times.

Final thoughts: Jaume Collet-Serra is no stranger to heart-pounding thrills, and it shows.  "The Shallows" is a nail-biting thrill ride that'll make you wish that you have more nails to bite on.  Even though it doesn't offer anything new to the shark movie formula, Blake Lively's performance and its tension-filled moments are just enough to warrant a recommendation to those who are in a mood for some thrills this summer. 

B-