Trash cinema is a blessed genre unto itself. Tim
Ritter's absolutely insane opus, Sharks of the Corn is a pinnacle of low
budget horror. It's impossible not to be reminded of Wes Craven's horror
epic Shocker when viewing, the film is over two hours and weaves not so
complex threads together to create a wonderfully putrid amalgam of sex,
spies, cultists, corn, and sharks. Featuring a plethora of hilarious kill
scenes, basement level special effects, and an undeniable love for all things
horror, this is a charming homage to the many reasons we love
movies.
Sharks are manifesting in the corn fields of Druid Hills, killing man, woman,
and child. A police chief, a shady criminal, a journalist, and a serial
killer converge on the fields in a race against finned Armageddon. On
first glance, this appears as a SYFY throwaway movie, however, the uncut
special edition is a dumpster diving epic. Filled with meandering
plotlines, bizarre characters, and endless waves of fake blood, Ritter weaves
the elements of his script together to create a Covid microcosm of inane ideas
given form, and it works. Any sort of taste or rational thought must be
eschewed, sacrificed on the altar of independent cinema for enjoyment to be
found. This is a troupe that is not only in love with its inspirations,
it is obsessed with the medium, packing every frame with easter eggs and self-deprecation
that only enhances the experience.
Shannon Shockin stars as multiple characters, but it is her Sheriff
Scheider, stuck at the center of the mystery that dominates the bulk of the
plot. She crosses paths with CIA operatives, an enigmatic mass murderer,
and enigmatic shark worshippers on her sojourn into the corn in search of her
missing sister. Casey Miracle supports as the mysterious Benchley (yes
these are the characters names), bringing an overwhelming amount of cool to the
proceedings. Ford Windstar rounds out the central trio as Gottlieb, a
journalist who discovers the awful truth while dispensing near fourth wall breaking
quips throughout. The result is a handful of laugh out loud performances
that elevate this film into the upper echelons of cult cinema.
The main event is the sharks themselves. The effects range from bag cgi
(a proud trademark) predators, to practical, hilariously designed
"camera" sharks that stalk multiple victims among the corn.
There is a final incarnation of the creatures, but that is perhaps one of the
films' best surprises. Ritter's passion for the project, along with his
understanding of the cast and crew is the final ingredient, which creates a
vibrant and irreverent world in which Sharks not only roam the fields, they can
fly and assault aerial vehicles with impunity.
Now available on a limited special edition blu-ray via SRS media, Sharks of the Corn is one of the best comedic horror experiences of the year. Fans of extreme genre trash will find a garbage pail trove of treasures to explore. From it's bloody, audacious beginning to its over-the-top finale, this a textbook example of low budget artistry that is not to be missed.
--Kyle Jonathan