My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: september 2024

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

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And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

I know that we who are in front line aren`t sharks, but we still wanted to outshine them ;)

My fingers wanted to match
my head :)

The year of 2004 was essentially a good year for DreamWorks Animation. They had a tremendous amount of success with Shrek 2, the sequel to what was their biggest hit at the time. And to a movie that had managed to make such an impact on animation in more ways that just one. However, in that regard, it would be tempting to assume that the sky was the limit for DreamWorks Animation back then. However, not everything they touched turned into gold. With Shrek, it was clear that DreamWorks had made a their own formula and were trying to capitalize it.

Yes, we have coke under the
sea :)

Despite how the formula wasn`t

entirely DreamWorks`. While Shrek wasn`t truly a gamechanger to animation the way that Toy Story was, it was clear that Shrek made it`s own impact to animation. And solidified that audiences were craving zippy, zangy and zany CGI comedies with Pop Culture References and Celebrity Voice Casting (a formula that was made by Aladdin). However, 2004 was the year where Hand Drawn Animation had officially disappeared Theatrically and CGI animation was meant to stay. Which was the case with most official, American animated studios when Shrek 2 was released. And the first movie to follow the success of Shrek 2 was Shark Tale.

General Information About Shark Tale

Released October 1th, 2004, Shark Tale was DreamWorks Animation Fourth officially CGI Animated movie. But it was the first feature to be made entirely by DreamWorks Animation, without Pacific Data Images (PDI). who had previously made Antz and Shrek (the last film from DreamWorks Animation's to be released before spinning off from DreamWorks Pictures as a separate company). Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), Bibo Bergeson (The Road to El Dorado) and Rob Letterman, who also was the screenwriter with Michael J. Wilson. Jeffrey Katzenberg was the executive producer. Including an A-star cast like Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, and Martin Scorsese. Hans Zimmer (The Lion King), who was composing for many DreamWorks` animated features, was the composer. Daniel St. Pierre (Tarzan) was the production designer.

Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott were behind the lead single, a new version of Rose Royce`s Car Wash. Other artists who also contributed to the soundtrack were Sean Paul, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, The Pussycat Dolls, JoJo and D12. Shark Tale premiered at the Venice Film Festival, September 10, 2004. It made $374.6 million worldwide against its $75 million budget, finishing its theatrical run as the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2004. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 77th Academy Awards, but lost to Pixar's The Incredibles.

Behind the Scenes Information

Shark Tale was officially announced and began production in April 2002. Where it was named Sharkslayer. By September 2003, it was retitled Shark Tale, to make it sound less violent and more family friendly. Shark Tale was scheduled for a November 5 release, but was moved up to October 1. To not be released with Pixar's The Incredibles. Originally the movie was more noir and a little darker. The story was going to be about a killer whale who was threatening Don Lino and wanted to tell Lenny`s big secret. And Lino was going to sent the piranha`s on the whale. The story was going to be more complicated, in the vein of L.A. Confidential. Lola was Syke`s girlfriend.

Martin Scorsese and

De Niro recorded the first scene of their characters together. As did Smith and Black with the big sequence between Oscar and Lenny. And since Scorsese speaks fast, the animators couldn`t animate all of his words. Lola`s introduction scene was inspired by videos of Beyoncé and Tyra Banks. The animators were able to stretch the animation of the characters more than they did on Shrek. Originally the fishes were more anthrophomorzied, but were reduced to 50% fishes and 50% humans. Most of the animators on Shark Tale were from Hand Drawn and had to train themselves to CGI. While Lenny was innocent, they wanted to make him smart, too. To give him more nuance. And the cuts in the movie were inspired by Snatch.

When Angelina Jolie first came in the studio, the guys were smitten by her. To light the heads on Ernie and Bernie, it was lit by a software that would let light pass through the surface. And getting bent like gelly and refracting in a natural way. When Letterman was writing for Peter Falk, he hadn`t met him. But he randomly met him at a coffee shop, when he was writing a scene for his character. There was going to be a reference to The Goodfellas in the scene where Oscar was going to a club named The Viper Fish Room, where Syked ushered him. It was harder to find a fish that looked like Christina Aguilera than with Missy Elliott. And when they used the picture with her dreads, Aguilera laughed. Hi-Hat did the choreography for the ending dance. And also choreographed Oscar`s walking moves.

Screening as part of the Venice Film Festival, it marked the first time that Piazza San Marco was closed for a premiere of a film. It was projected on the largest inflatable screen ever, measuring more than six stories tall and over 3,900 square feet. The premiere was attended by 6,000 visitors. Katzenberg wanted a unique way to introduce the movie. Janet Jackson and Beyoncé planned to record a duet for the soundtrack. Hans Zimmer told Katzenberg that he couldn`t deal with more epic movies, but wanted to do a fun animated movie instead. Shark Tale was planned to have a sequel in 2009, with the mirror from Shrek 2 (played by Mark Moseley) as the antagonist. But it was cancelled in favor of Monsters vs. Aliens, for a change in management. Black praises the production for plying him with shrimp scampi burritos and rotisserie chicken during his vocal sessions.

Comparisons to Finding Nemo

This is my submarine :) Sort
of :)

Since DreamWorks was known for plaguarizing ideas from Pixar and Disney, it would`ve been tempting to compare Shark Tale to Finding Nemo. And while it is a relevant comparison, it`s of course a completely superfluous one. After all, what both movies have in common is taking place under the Sea and showing fishes. And yes, there is a slight similarity of how it approaches sharks by turning their natural predator instincts on their head. However, Tale is mostly completely different to Nemo, as Tale depicts an anthropomorphic sea world. As opposed to Nemo, who does portray an opposite world (despite how Nemo is somewhat anachronistic, too.

Since I`m (Lenny) on
top of the food chain,
I`m supposed to be
bigger than you :)

Since the creatures attends schools and therapies). And sure, while both Antz and Shrek showed an anthropomorphic animals, it didn`t went as far to make the world as anthropomorphized as in Shark Tale. Another difference from Nemo is how Tale never essentially shows any humans, since humans appears in Nemo. But the plots are essentially different, as Tale tells a rags to riches story. While Nemo essentially is a tender and sincere parent/child story and the father`s search for a son. While it was produced concurrently with Nemo, Katzenberg defended Tale, saying that the similarities were just a coincidence. And that theyve been open with Pixar, to not step on each other's toes.

The Staple and Reception of Shark Tale

We`re the shark versions of
D12 and G-Unit :)

As for the staple of
Shark Tale, it`s not hard to see the final reception. As it was received lukewarmly critically. And it`s frankly easy to see why. While Shark Tale is not a horrible movie by any means, it comes across as rather cold and calculated. It`s clearly that the intentions behind it was mostly cynicsm, as it was made for capitalizing DreamWorks` Animation new formula: Celebrity voice casting, pop culture references and a comedy formula to keep up with what was hip and current.

Yes, this microphone is water
proof :)

But if the obvious Pop Culture references weren`t enough, it was clear how they managed to be hip with a current, overt and obvious hip hop angle. And even with nods at celebrities and products who were hip at the time, who actually dates the movie more than it should. But the Hip Hop references aren`t the only ones, as the obvious Godfather references are and even the short nod to Titanic (where our good ol` Rose isn`t drawn naked). And that`s what makes Shark Tale a vanity project than an actual movie (sorry to say).

The Story and Comparisons to Other Movies With a Similar Plotline

Don`t worry, we don`t have
any bacterias :)

But the cynical intentions behind

Shark Tale isn`t essentially as much the lone problem, as it`s story also is. For being rather a quite silly, shallow and superficial rags to riches story about a liar revealed (sorry, screenwriters). But frankly being non-compelling with it. But it`s essentially another story about wealth and poberty being synonymous for self-worth. But also how honesty is the arc and mission of the lead character. The plot is reminiscent to The Reluctant Dragon (a short story from 1897 written by Kenneth Grahame). But in that regard, Tale is also comparable to two Disney properties: Hercules and A Bug`s Life.

My right fist was deliberately
not photographed, due to how
it was filled with blood :)

To Hercules for showing how heroism is parallelled with a celebrity culture. And A Bug`s Life for showing a heroic act can lead to a lie (even Aladdin would`ve been somewhat comparable, for dealing with a similar plotline). Perhaps these comparisons may be shallow, but they`re still relevant enough. And sure, Shark Tale was retreading the buddy-picture formula that became synonymous with CGI Animation at the time. Despite how it`s essentially another story about a forbidden friendship between two species that are enemies (which yes, makes it somewhat comparable to The Fox and the Hound, despite how it`s more harrowing in the latter movie).

The Protagonist

A female can propose in our
World :)

But the biggest problem with Shark Tale is essentially it`s protagonist, Oscar. For being such a conceited, shallow and obnoxious character who`s completely uncompelling and unwatchable. Not that the blame should be given to Will Smith, who does what he does best in such a thankless role. However, Oscar becomes so beyond self-centered and egotistical that it`s hard to even root for him. Sure, Oscar does have his own, compelling reasons for wanting a better life. But Oscar`s journey and the execution of his wants is so shallowly portrayed that it`s essentially hard to invest in it.

I`m a proof of how J.Lo and
Beyoncé can look sexy as a
fish ;)

In fact, how Angie could truly fall in love with such a character is a huge mystery. And while Shark Tale includes a slight love triangle with Lola (a triangle that is easily solved), Oscar`s realization of his feelings for Angie is just as poorly executed. It just comes out of nowhere, as he suddenly realizes that he has feelings for her. Without a truly believable setup. Sure, their arc is telegraphed and mandatory, but the development never comes across as organic.

Lenny`s Issue and Frankie`s Death

Yes, I (Oscar) finally managed
to tame a shark :)

In fact,

Shark Tale tells essentially two stories: The one of Oscar`s rags to riches story and Lenny`s own story of independence and acceptance from his father (for wanting to break the norms of the sharks). And sure, while Lenny`s arc may be a little derivative, it still a resonant enough on it`s own right. And sure, there`s no doubt that despite how Lenny is a secondary character, his story and arc is more compelling and better. Due to his motivation and wants are essentially less shallow. And sure, it would`ve been tempting to wonder if Lenny should`ve been the protagonist all along for that reason. But regarding Lenny`s story, due to how he`s essentially a part of Oscar`s scheme, the portrayal of catalyst for the whole event, his brother Frankie`s death, is also another badly flaw of the film.

Yes, I`m turned off by your
breath, not your teeth :)

Sure, the on-screen demise is poignant. But it`s just treated poignantly
for a couple of minutes and then only used for being the cause of Oscar`s lies. And afterwards mostly completely ignored. Sure, Frankie is not a particularly likable character to begin with. But how the movie simply blatantly ignores the tragedy of his death and just treats it for the sake of comedy (even his funeral is treated somewhat comically). But even then, Lenny and Frankie`s dynamic is not as investible as it should`ve been, as there`s brotherly animosity between them. And there`s no real affection that Frankie shows for Lenny. Cause sure, Shark Tale is supposed to be a comedy. But even for a comedy, the death of a character is treated simply badly.

Controversy

Yes, they made me look more
sexy with that clipart :)

However, Shark Tale hasn`t escaped controversy. It was criticized for portraying negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans with its antagonists during it`s release. Columbus Citizens Foundation issued a statement condemning the stereotyping of people with Italian names as gangsters. As did Dona De Sanctis, deputy executive director of the Order Sons of Italy in America. And John Mancini, the founder of the Italic Institute of America, who protested the movie. Which was also coordinated by the Italian American One Voice Coalition of New Jersey. And The Anti-Italian Defamation League. Mancini demanded that everything Italian (character names, mannerisms, forms of speech) be dropped.

We`re dancing the sea version
of Macarena :)

DreamWorks reacted by changing the name of Peter Falk's character from Don Brizzi to Don Feinberg. But still after the changes, Anti-Italian Defamation League disowned the movie. However, the stereotype portrayal it wasn`t the only controversy that Shark Tale received. The American Family Association, a Christian conservative organization, suggested that it was designed to promote the acceptance of gay rights by children. As Lenny`s plotline was similar to a coming-out story. But still they managed to make less fuzz about it than the Italian organizations did.

Epilogue

We`re inspired by the Beastie
Boys and Mr. Miyagi :)

At the end, it`s hard to defend something like Shark Tale: A movie that is not particularly hated, but is perceived as lackluster as a whole. And frankly, it`s not hard to see why. For to it`s aforementioned flaws. But while it may seem like I completely trashed Shark Tale with my entry, it wasn`t my intention. Cause it`s not a movie that I completely hate. It is fun, entertaining and has some genuinely enjoyable moments. And I`ve managed to watch it many times and managed to enjoy it. Still, there`s no denial that Shark Tale is a cynical, manufactured and calculated product and therefore it`s easy to see right through it. Still, my own personal experience with Shark Tale is that I saw it here when it was released Theatrically in my Native Norway.

We`re not going to survive
here :) Just wait and see :)

A couple of months after the Domestic release (yes, cause Norwegian releases were usually later than Domestic releases). And yes, I liked it, despite how I never loved it. Despite how it had many elements that I loved at the time (Hip Hop, Pop Culture References), it was still easy to see through the product. Still, I`m not completely hating the movie, as I prefer it to other animated movies with the same snappy pacing. With that said, since this entry is meant to synergize with it`s 20th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that for someone who was 20 years old that time, that it`s now the same age as I was), there`s nothing left to wish Shark Tale Happy 20th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.