Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween-friendly but mediocre mermaid tale sinks.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Dr. Thomas Bradley (Billy Zane) is a visiting professor emeritus of classical studies at prestigious Oxford University. He has the summer to complete his academic research, or else he will lose his position. A fellow professor offers his retreat on the Greek island of Spetses, and at his 12 year-old daughter Serena's (Amber Savva) urging, they accept. Never mind that he can't swim and hates water. On the way to their getaway, he falls overboard and, without his knowledge, is saved from drowning by a mermaid (Kelly Brook), who will prove significant to his research and his future. Meantime, the secret may be out that a mermaid is trawling the local waters, and anyone who captures the creature stands to make some money.
Is It Any Good?
FISHTALES tries so hard that one wants nothing more than to relieve itself of its exertions. It's tone-deaf from beginning to end. Is it a comedy? A romance? A coming-of-age tale? A mystery? The plot sounds promising enough, but the execution is marred by poor pacing and odd scenes that neither advance the story nor build on its arc, made worse by slapdash editing that inhibits a flow. (Why is the landlady whacking a chicken out of the blue? Why would father and daughter be invited to a local wedding where, it has to mentioned, rave music is playing? Why is the mermaid heavily accessorized with jewelry that looks like it came from a downscale mall?)
The underwater scenes, while prettily filmed, reveal a set so hokey -- intact Greek columns and submerged at snorkeling depths? -- one wonders how they were conceived in the first place. Besides, the mermaid doesn't look remotely real, though her swimming's impressive, and how she drops into the plot is woefully random. The one bright spot: Some sweet chemistry between Savva and Zane as father and daughter.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Serena and her dad: Is he a good father? Why does he need to be taken care of even though he's the grown-up?
How does the mermaid change their lives?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 1, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : August 26, 2008
- Cast : Billy Zane , Kelly Brook
- Director : Alki David
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude humor and language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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