Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015) Movie Review
Introduction
“Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!,” released in 2015, is the third installment in the wildly popular “Sharknado” series. Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, the film continues the absurd and over-the-top premise of sharks invading urban areas through freak weather phenomena. With a mix of campy humor, outlandish scenarios, and a slew of celebrity cameos, “Sharknado 3” delivers on its promise of ridiculous entertainment. This review will explore the plot, characters, reception, and provide information on where to stream or purchase “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” in the United States.
Plot Summary
The film picks up where “Sharknado 2: The Second One” left off, with Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering) being honored at the White House by President Marcus Robbins (Mark Cuban) for his heroics in New York City. However, his moment of glory is cut short when a massive sharknado strikes Washington, D.C., wreaking havoc and destruction.
Fin teams up with his wife, April Wexler (Tara Reid), and his old friend, Nova Clarke (Cassie Scerbo), to combat the sharknado and prevent further chaos. Their journey takes them from the nation’s capital to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, where they encounter more shark-infested storms. Along the way, they reunite with Fin’s estranged father, Colonel Gilbert Shepard (David Hasselhoff), who joins the fight against the aquatic menace.
The climax sees Fin and his team taking the battle to space in an effort to stop the sharknadoes once and for all, culminating in a series of outrageous and gravity-defying stunts.
Characters and Cast
- Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering): The fearless protagonist who has become an expert in battling sharknadoes. His determination and bravery drive the plot forward.
- April Wexler (Tara Reid): Fin’s wife, who proves to be a valuable ally in the fight against the sharknadoes. Her character takes on a more action-oriented role in this installment.
- Nova Clarke (Cassie Scerbo): A tough and resourceful fighter who joins Fin in his quest to stop the sharknadoes. Nova’s past experiences with sharknadoes make her a crucial part of the team.
- Colonel Gilbert Shepard (David Hasselhoff): Fin’s estranged father, a former astronaut, who brings his expertise to the battle against the sharknadoes.
- President Marcus Robbins (Mark Cuban): The President of the United States, who is among the many celebrity cameos that add to the film’s entertainment value.
Reception and Critique
“Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” received a mixed response from critics and audiences. While some praised its self-aware humor and commitment to outlandishness, others found it to be too nonsensical even for a B-movie.
Positive Aspects
- Campy Humor: The film embraces its absurd premise, delivering plenty of laughs with its over-the-top scenarios and tongue-in-cheek dialogue.
- Celebrity Cameos: The numerous cameos from well-known personalities add an extra layer of fun and surprise for viewers.
- Action and Special Effects: Despite the low-budget nature of the film, the action sequences and special effects are creative and entertaining.
Negative Aspects
- Predictability: The formula of the “Sharknado” series starts to feel repetitive by the third installment, with similar plot points and resolutions.
- Character Development: As with the previous films, character development is minimal, with the focus primarily on the outrageous situations rather than the characters’ growth.
- Over-the-Top Absurdity: While the film’s ridiculousness is part of its charm, it can be overwhelming and detract from the overall enjoyment for some viewers.
Where to Watch “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” in the USA
For those interested in watching “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!,” there are several streaming services and platforms where the film is available:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Subscribers can watch it as part of their subscription or rent/purchase it separately.
- Peacock: “Sharknado 3” is often available on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. Check the current catalog for availability.
Rental/Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: In addition to streaming, you can rent or purchase the film on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchase prices vary from $9.99 to $12.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film can be rented or purchased on Google Play. Rental prices usually start at $2.99, and purchase prices range from $9.99 to $12.99.
- iTunes: “Sharknado 3” is available for rent or purchase on iTunes. Rental prices are around $3.99, and purchase prices are approximately $9.99.
- Vudu: Another option for renting or purchasing the film is Vudu. Rental costs are typically $2.99 to $3.99, and purchase prices range from $9.99 to $12.99.
Conclusion
“Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” continues the franchise’s tradition of delivering campy, over-the-top entertainment with a healthy dose of self-aware humor. While the film’s absurdity and predictability may not appeal to everyone, it offers a fun and ridiculous viewing experience for fans of the series and those looking for a laugh. For viewers in the United States, the film is accessible on various streaming services and rental platforms. Whether you choose to stream, rent, or purchase, “Sharknado 3” promises a wild ride through shark-infested storms and outlandish action sequences.
