Deep Blue Sea 3
warner brosIt would surprise many that Renny Harlin's cult classic hit Deep Blue Sea would still be relevant 21 years later, let alone that it has become a trilogy of films. Granted, its sequel from director Darin Scott came nineteen years after the fact with a clear drop off regarding budget and execution. Nevertheless, two years later, interest is still high with John Pogue delivering a stellar return to form for the franchise with a strong albeit flawed threequel.
It must be parenthesised that Deep Blue Sea 3 does absolutely nothing new regarding plot. For an overview, it is all very simple: the film follows a group of scientists that are caught up in tracking and, eventually, having to survive a herd of super-intelligent great white sharks. To that extent, if any viewer is hoping for a complete and utter reinvention of the first film, they will be sadly mistaken. That being said, it is not the plot that anyone is here for, of course, that would be the bonkers and often crafty, ridiculous violence that unfolds. Yet, to that degree, it is hard to say that Pogue's film is nothing but a success.
Granted, this has nothing in the likes or realm of the explosive budget of Harlin's monster classic, but Pogue does a tremendous job of replicating as well as injecting his own spin on things. Environments are simplistic, and the resulting violence is far more intimate. With a small budget and lack of cash to use for CGI sharks, Pogue uses a restrain spectacle to drum up much tension and resulting atmosphere, similarly to Spielberg's Jaws but without the exquisite nuance.
Yes, the CGI is often shaky but, for the most part, it works relatively well within the condition it is executed. Equally, when the violence begins to erupt, it is pleasantly surprising how effective and engaging it is, with notable moments that will undoubtedly shock and live long in the memory. However, any film within the franchise should be expected to showcase such, regardless of budget, especially now in direct competition with the well-received 47 Meters Down franchise.
The real question is how Deep Blue Sea 3 handles the character proceedings. Straight away, there is little here that is reminiscent of possible iconic remnants of Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J or Saffron Burrows. However, that is not to say that this isn’t a strong act from the likes of Tania Raymonde, whose performance is undoubtedly the highlight of the picture. Forget any depth, still what is presented at the moment is interesting and engaging enough for the viewer to care. Deep Blue Sea 3 had the opportunity to go one step further with an engaging cast list and not just a sole standout character, yet the picture is let down by diabolical and benign character arcs and decisions that go for stupid rather than intellectual, while these characters are meant to fall into the latter.
