Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014) Movie Review
“Sharknado 2: The Second One,” directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, is the sequel to the cult classic “Sharknado.” This Syfy channel original movie embraces its absurdity, delivering an over-the-top, campy adventure that sees New York City besieged by a shark-infested tornado. With returning stars Ian Ziering and Tara Reid, this sequel amplifies the chaos and fun of the original. This review explores the plot, characters, special effects, and where you can stream it today.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering) and April Wexler (Tara Reid) on a flight to New York City, where Fin is set to promote his new book about surviving the first Sharknado. Mid-flight, they encounter a freak storm, which hurls sharks into the plane, forcing an emergency landing.
Once on the ground, Fin realizes that another Sharknado is forming and is headed straight for New York City. Teaming up with his sister Ellen Brody (Kari Wuhrer), her husband Martin (Mark McGrath), and their friends, Fin must navigate the city, battling flying sharks and rescuing loved ones, all while trying to prevent the storm from destroying the city.
Characters and Performances
Ian Ziering as Fin Shepard
Ian Ziering reprises his role as Fin Shepard, the hero who has become somewhat of a shark-fighting legend. Ziering’s performance is as committed and enthusiastic as ever, embracing the ridiculousness of the situation with a straight face that adds to the film’s charm. His character’s resourcefulness and bravery are central to the film’s appeal.
Tara Reid as April Wexler
Tara Reid returns as April Wexler, Fin’s ex-wife. Despite being injured early on, April remains a key player in the fight against the Sharknado. Reid’s performance, though occasionally wooden, adds to the film’s campy vibe. Her character’s development from the first film to a more active participant is a welcome progression.
Supporting Cast
The film features a diverse supporting cast, including Kari Wuhrer as Ellen Brody, Mark McGrath as Martin Brody, Vivica A. Fox as Skye, and Judah Friedlander as Brian. Each character brings a unique dynamic to the group, contributing to the film’s blend of humor and action. Cameos from notable personalities like Kelly Osbourne, Andy Dick, and Al Roker add to the fun.
Visuals and Special Effects
“Sharknado 2” continues the franchise’s tradition of intentionally low-budget special effects. The CGI sharks and tornadoes are delightfully cheesy, contributing to the film’s camp appeal. The visual effects, while far from realistic, are creatively utilized to enhance the film’s outrageous action sequences. The film’s depiction of a shark-infested New York City, with iconic landmarks under threat, adds a layer of absurd spectacle that fans of the series will appreciate.
Script and Direction
The script by Thunder Levin embraces the absurdity of the premise, filled with witty one-liners, humorous situations, and over-the-top scenarios. The dialogue is often tongue-in-cheek, with characters delivering lines that acknowledge the ridiculousness of their predicament.
Anthony C. Ferrante’s direction ensures a fast-paced narrative, with relentless action and shark mayhem. The film never takes itself too seriously, allowing viewers to revel in the chaos and enjoy the ride. The blend of horror, comedy, and disaster elements is handled with a self-aware touch that keeps the audience engaged.
Nostalgia Factor
“Sharknado 2: The Second One” taps into nostalgia for fans of B-movies and disaster films. Its references to classic New York City disaster scenarios and its homage to creature features of the past make it a fun watch for genre enthusiasts. The film’s self-referential humor and commitment to its outrageous premise enhance its nostalgic charm.
Streaming and Rental Options in America
As of 2024, “Sharknado 2: The Second One” (2014) is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase the film in HD quality.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or buy the film here as well.
- Syfy Channel: Sometimes available for streaming with a subscription.
These options ensure that whether you prefer to own a digital copy or just watch it once, you have plenty of choices.
Conclusion
“Sharknado 2: The Second One” (2014) successfully builds on the outrageous fun of its predecessor, delivering a wild and entertaining ride through a shark-infested New York City. With its blend of humor, action, and campy special effects, the film embraces its absurd premise and offers an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of B-movies and disaster films. If you’re looking for a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and provides plenty of laughs and thrills, “Sharknado 2” is worth a watch. Stream it on your preferred platform and get ready for another round of shark-filled chaos.
