Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016) Movie Review
“Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens,” directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, is the fourth entry in the belovedly ridiculous “Sharknado” franchise. Released in 2016, this film continues the saga of the infamous shark-infested tornadoes that have plagued the world. True to the series’ formula, “Sharknado 4” combines absurdity, over-the-top action, and a hefty dose of camp. This review will explore the film’s plot, characters, special effects, and current streaming options in America.
Plot Summary
The film picks up five years after the events of “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” with the world having seemingly recovered from the previous sharknado disasters. Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering) and his family are living in relative peace until a new wave of sharknados emerges, threatening to wreak havoc once again.
This time, the sharknados are not just confined to the U.S. but have spread globally. As Fin’s estranged wife April (Tara Reid) returns, the family must confront new and more dangerous sharknado threats. The film introduces a series of increasingly ridiculous scenarios involving shark-infested satellites, a new villain, and absurdly creative sharknado-related mayhem.
Characters and Performances
Ian Ziering as Fin Shepard
Ian Ziering reprises his role as Fin Shepard, the film’s central hero. Ziering’s performance continues to embrace the campiness of the series, delivering his lines with a mix of seriousness and tongue-in-cheek humor. His character’s heroic antics remain a staple of the franchise, and Ziering’s commitment to the role adds to the film’s charm.
Tara Reid as April Wexler
Tara Reid returns as April Wexler, Fin’s wife. Reid’s performance is predictably over-the-top, fitting the film’s tone. Her character’s dramatic and action-packed moments contribute to the film’s high-energy atmosphere, though her acting remains as exaggerated as in previous installments.
David Hasselhoff as Colonel Gilbert Grayson
David Hasselhoff makes a notable appearance as Colonel Gilbert Grayson, a new character introduced in this film. Hasselhoff’s performance adds a dose of nostalgic star power and further heightens the film’s camp value. His role as a retired military officer who becomes involved in the sharknado crisis is both entertaining and self-aware.
Ryan Newman as Claudia Shepard
Ryan Newman plays Claudia Shepard, Fin’s daughter. Newman’s performance provides a mix of action and teenage drama, fitting into the film’s chaotic narrative. Her character contributes to the family dynamics and helps drive some of the film’s subplot.
Steve Sanders as Jody Sanders
Steve Sanders takes on the role of Jody Sanders, a new character who adds to the film’s comedic elements. Sanders’s performance is intentionally exaggerated, aligning with the film’s tone and providing additional moments of humor and absurdity.
Visuals and Special Effects
“Sharknado 4” continues the franchise’s tradition of low-budget, over-the-top special effects. The film features a mix of practical effects and CGI to create its sharknado disasters. While the special effects are deliberately cheesy and far from realistic, they contribute to the film’s campy charm.
The sharknado sequences are designed to be visually spectacular in a deliberately ridiculous manner. The film’s set pieces, including shark-infested satellites and high-flying action, add to the film’s larger-than-life atmosphere. The visual effects may be low-quality, but they align with the franchise’s self-aware, fun approach.
Script and Direction
Anthony C. Ferrante’s direction continues the series’ tradition of embracing absurdity and camp. The script, written by Ferrante, Thunder Levin, and James W. Wright, features intentionally ridiculous dialogue and scenarios that add to the film’s entertainment value. The film’s pacing is brisk, with a series of escalating sharknado disasters that keep the audience engaged.
The humor is often derived from the film’s over-the-top scenarios and self-referential jokes. The script’s blend of absurdity and action ensures that the film remains engaging for fans of the franchise, even if it lacks depth or serious storytelling.
Nostalgia Factor
“Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens” continues to appeal to fans of the franchise with its blend of nostalgia, campy humor, and outrageous action. The film’s references to pop culture and its continuation of the sharknado saga contribute to its appeal for those who enjoy the series’ unique brand of entertainment.
Streaming and Rental Options in America
As of 2024, “Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens” (2016) is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase in HD quality.
- iTunes: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Can be rented or purchased.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
These options provide access to the film for viewers who want to experience its over-the-top action and campy humor.
Conclusion
“Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens” (2016) continues the franchise’s tradition of outrageous, campy fun with its over-the-top action and absurd scenarios. While the film’s special effects and script may be intentionally cheesy, they contribute to the film’s charm for fans of the series. Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, and David Hasselhoff deliver performances that align with the film’s self-aware tone, ensuring a high-energy, entertaining experience. Available on various streaming platforms, the film remains a guilty pleasure for those who enjoy its unique blend of disaster and comedy.
