Bait Review – hook, line and sinker

The concept of the film Bait is appealing – sharks, action, gore – however the execution is average.  The film directed by Kimble Redall, centers around an Australian coastal town and follows the story of young couples, bad guys, a cop father, rebellious daughter, supermarket manager and a few unnecessary random characters – all trapped in a supermarket after a freak tsunami.

The film kicks off well with a dotting love story, drama and action – as we see the local beach rocked by an unexpected shark attack. Main character/hero of the film Josh (Xavier Samuel, The loved ones) executes his role well – unlike the majority of the supporting cast who attempt American accents and fail awfully.

The addition of Julian McMahon (Nip Tuck) was a positive for the film, however there were too many characters too be played around with. The only characters you really get to know and understand are the main young couple and father and daughter, but you will still find yourself pondering questions at the end of the film, such as – does Doyle (McMahon’s character) get away without being arrested?  And how the hell did that girl’s dog survive the whole ordeal after disappearing in shark infested water for three quarters of the film?

Another let down is that the cast show little or no emotion when fellow trapped characters are killed off – even if its someone close to them. This is due to bad acting and bad scripting. I wasn’t convinced that any of the cast were scared or worried at all, it’s like they know they’re going to get out at some point, the only frantic and fearful guy seems to be the crazy bad one and the supermarket manager.

The ways in which characters are killed off also aren’t produced cleverly or creatively, its almost like their just falling into the water and then along comes the shark – chomp, shake – you’re dead! It’s as simple as that.

Even though everyone is trapped you don’t feel sorry for them at all, you only get to know two or three characters well enough to care. There are no satirical subplots and there are so many ideas thrown in for the supporting cast that the whole thing loses concentrated ideas.

The film is stated as B grade but I would say its more C grade, there are more negatives than positives and everything was average or less.

If you’re into sharks, don’t mind some bad acting and not looking for anything greatly suspenseful, scary or gory – then you might enjoy this film. But if you’re looking for quality suspense, gore and action then stay clear of this one.

Rating – 2/5

Bait starring: Julian McManhon and Xavier Samuel