Matthew Modine

Dog’s Movie House: “47 Meters Down” Adequate Shark Bait Film!

 

Howdy Folks!  It’s The Kendog!

 

Mandy Moore and Claire Holt in “47 Meters Down”

 

There’s a reason “Jaws” is still a terrifying film over forty years after its initial release.  Despite the goofy-looking, hardly-ever-working mechanical shark, the film’s thrills have never been bettered for two reasons:  the fear of what you can’t see and the wonderful attention to character that makes you care about their fates.  In this era of digital effects, most filmmakers still don’t get the idea that it takes more than a realistically rendered computerized shark to make a good shark horror film.  The latest in this sub-genre “47 Meters Down” gets it half right.  It has wonderful atmosphere and makes the most of its small budget when it comes to the suspense.  Unfortunately, slim character development keeps it from being anything but a competent matinee picture.   Continue reading