The most enjoyable thing about The Shallows is looking forward to seeing The Shallows — and that is not a dig. 

There is a special kind of mouthwatering anticipation in knowing that 1) this movie will surely be pretty bad, and 2) you will be delighted by each of its 87 minutes. It’s a moviegoing can’t-lose: If you’re wrong on the first point and the film is surprisingly good, you win! And if you’re right, it’s a bigger win, because not only were you entertained, but you called it!

Herein lies the genius of The Shallows — unofficial alternate title The Blake Lively Shark Movie — from cheap-thrills clown prince Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan, Non-Stop). Blake Lively, peach bikini, surfing, giant leaping death-fish, ticking clock, air-conditioned theater, ten-dollar popcorn, leaving the house. Read more…