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Enjoyable but discouraging Animation hit a major slump in the mid-1990's thanks to the decline of Disney. However, in recent years it has been rejuvenated by Pixar and Dreamworks, who not only decided to redo the look of traditional animation (by computer generating it) but also decided to revamp the stories that could be told through it (Disney's had grown stale at this point). While everything Pixar touched has turned to gold, Dreamworks' output has been more of a mixed bag. While I adored the first "Shrek" film, I thought "Shrek 2" went a little too overboard with pop culture references and embarassing physical comedy. Now, Dreamworks has delivered "Shark Tale," and I must say that it is discouraging to see one of the major computer animation studios release a product this mediocre (PLEASE don't do this also, Pixar). "Shark Tale" is good for a night of light entertainment. However, compared to any other computer animated film (even such middling ones as "Shrek 2" and "Ice Age"), "Shark Tale" does not hold up well. The biggest problem is that we saw the ocean world before in "Finding Nemo," and it was much better and more original then. There is no one in "Shark Tale" more funny than "Finding Nemo"'s Dory. There is no visual sight in "Shark Tale" that is as impressive as the best scenes in "Nemo". If you want an entertaining, touching, and dazzling undersea adventure, you can already turn to "Nemo." Of course, it is unfair to judge "Shark Tale" by comparing it to "Finding Nemo," but there are plenty of problems with it otherwise. For one, none of the leads gives a really stand-out vocal performance. Will Smith is downright annoying, and he's the one they made the star! Jack Black is better, but he's much too restrained. Renee Zellweger and Angelina Jolie barely register. Only Robert de Niro and Martin Scorcesse have fun with their roles. One thing great about Pixar is that they hire actors with good vocals, instead of feeling a need to stock their films with stars. Every Dreamworks film proudly displays all of its stars on the movie posters and opening credits, while Pixar films with lower profile actors continue to trounce Dreamworks in the story department. "Shark Tale" is not a bad movie, of course. Some of its mob parodies are inspired, especially when de Niro and Scorcesse are on the screen. About half the jokes in the film work, which is a good ratio if you're just looking for escapist entertainment. The story is serviceable enough to where we care a little for the characters, even if there's never any real tension. Despite "Shark Tale"'s strengths, it has enough weaknesses to where I can only give it a weak recommendation. You will enjoy it best if you lower your expectations beforehand. Maybe I've become too used to Pixar films, but I'm starting to demand more from animation than just countless gags and parodies. I also want a story I can emotionally invest it. "Shark Tale" is severly lacking in that arena.