DreamWorks, the makers of the blockbuster hits, Shrek and Shrek 2, gives us a colorful and heartwarming tale of two completely different people, er, fish, whose relationship with each other and their family has the audience both moved to tears and roaring with laughter.

     Shark Tale is the extraordinary story of two fish friends named Oscar and Lenny. Oscar is a fast-talking little fish that works as a tongue-cleaner in a whale wash. He used to idolize his father who was also a tongue-cleaner, but grew to despise the job when he was teased about it when he was younger. He now dreams of making it big and living in a posh condominium in the heart of the city. Lenny is a great white shark that lives in the shadow of his brother Frankie and in constant fear of his father, mob boss Don Lino. This is because Lenny is different from the other sharks: he is a vegetarian shark, which, in the eyes of his father, is a disgrace to the family.

     As Lenny is being shown the ropes of the family business to get him to "toughen" up, he is ordered by his brother to kill Oscar who was conveniently tied up and being tortured by two jellyfish. In an unfortunate turn of events, it is Lenny’s brother Frankie that gets killed by a dropped anchor. Lenny blames himself and runs away from the scene, afraid to return home and face his father. On the other hand, Oscar unwittingly become known as the "shark slayer" and gains more than he bargained for: instant popularity and riches, not to mention a whole lot of trouble. It isn’t until later that the two meet again and conspire to get out of the mess Frankie’s death got them into. What ensues next is a multitude of both hilarious and touching moments that leave the audience satisfied.

     DreamWorks’s fishy offering does not exactly measure up to its "rival" and predecessor Finding Nemo, but it still delivers plenty of fun and laughter. Dramatic scenes such as Lenny’s cry of grief when his brother dies are exaggerated to provide the expected comic relief. In true Shrek tradition, familiar images and faces such as New York City, the sunken Titanic and newscaster Katie Couric lend themselves to the movie as backgrounds and support to the characters’ humorous dialogue and actions. An upbeat soundtrack, not to mention special "appearances" of the artists themselves, add to movie’s charm and appeal.

     Aside from these, Shark Tale works as a family movie not so much because of a creative story and witty dialogue but because of the variety of stereotypes in it that the audience can easily identify: the black sheep, the fast-talking dreamer, the girl next door, the hot and sexy chick, the bad guy, the unrequited love, the desire for acceptance, and so much more. Part of the fun in watching this movie is actually being able to spot these stereotypes and watching them "blunder" their way through the movie. Almost every scene has at least one stereotype doing some crazy thing that leaves the audience either in stitches or tears.

     Speaking of tears, as many as this movie has stereotypes, Shark Tale also has some emotional scenes that dish valuable lessons for both children and parents. Children are taught the importance of recognizing the value of doing your job very well and being proud of it, no matter what other people may think of it. They are also taught the value of having and nurturing a very good relationship with good friends because they will always be there to support you even though you feel you have nothing left.

     Parents, too, are reminded to recognize their children’s strengths and not just their weaknesses. Children need just as much support and acceptance as they need discipline. Expectations are well and good, but acceptance is important if parents want to develop a close and lasting relationship with their children.

     One of the main lessons that this movie tries to give both children and parents is the importance of honesty. If one is honest to one’s self, to his friends and family, there won’t be any need to hide or run away. Relationships will be kept intact and everyone will be happy.

     Shark Tale is a very funny, endearing and happy family movie. It delivers humor, entertainment, and valuable insight without leaving a stinky, fishy stench. Best of all, it doesn’t bite.

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