Maneater (2022) - Nothing new, but not bad

The killer shark genre is nothing new - especially as the 'grand-daddy' of the genre ('Jaws') was released all the way back in the seventies.  Yet 'Maneater' manages to just about keep things interesting with its straightforward thrills. Sure, the premise of a man-eating shark terrorizing a group of beachgoers is nothing groundbreaking, yet there’s a certain charm in the simplicity of its execution. 

This definitely isn't the next 'Jaws,' but if you're looking for an easy, no-frills thriller to stream then 'Maneater' is surprisingly watchable.  What sets this film apart from the many shark movies that came before is the presence of Trace Adkins. Playing an older, grizzled local with a vendetta against the shark, Adkins brings a welcome touch of maturity and gravitas to a cast that otherwise feels like classic "monster-fodder." His character gives the film a bit more weight, and his screen presence stands out against the younger, thrill-seeking crew.  Although props to the younger lead actress who I'd never seen before, but kind of looked like Cameron Diaz from some angles.

Of course, no matter how good the cast is (and how many excuses they seem to make to go into the dangerous water!) it's the shark that everyone has come to see.  And, for a B-movie, the monster is in it a fair amount.  And, maybe it was because I happened to be watching this film on my phone while at the gym, but the creature looked quite passable in terms of special effects.

In the end 'Maneater' might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but never really tries to be anything more than a fun, occasionally tense thriller that does just enough to keep you watching. If you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for something easy to stream, this one’s worth a bite.

6/10