In July 1916 a series of shark attacks plague the New Jersey beaches. Alex (Colin Egglesfield), a lifeguard who witnesses the first shark attack, reports the incident but the city council (too concerned about the tourist trade) refuses to acknowledge the incident. Scientists and animal experts claim that it is a freak incident and life returns to normal for a short while. After the next deadly attack, Alex quits his job as a lifeguard and joins up with the Captain (John Rhys-Davies) to hunt the shark themselves. As more lives are claimed, panic grips the beach community, and the hunt for the elusive beast becomes more desperate.

Jack Sholder (Alone In The Dark, The Hidden) directs 12 Days Of Terror, a big budget made for TV movie. Cinematographer Jacques Haitkin (Galaxy Of Terror, Shocker) does a superb job at capturing the action as well as the beautiful scenery. In the film’s favor, the story moves very quickly and never leaves room for clock-watching. The special effects fare quite well because the filmmakers don’t try and do too much. There is some digital shark action but nothing too outlandish or cheap (trust me, I’ve seen worse).

Performances are generally pretty good in 12 Days Of Terror but a couple of the lead actors leave much to be desired. Colin Egglesfield (Vampires: The Turning) is very stiff as Alex and his love interest, Alice, is played very woodenly by Jenna Harrison. Mark Dexter (From Hell) is quite dynamic as Stan, the zealous tailor who manages to prove himself as a hero. The prolific John Rhys-Davies is quite at home here as the Captain, a one-dimensional but well played old seadog. And Jamie Bartlett is great as Michael, the eccentric taxidermist who tries to catch the shark himself with one of the most ridiculous and foolhardy methods imaginable.

12 Days Of Terror is very well made for a TV movie and it should give shark enthusiasts a thrill or two. Despite a few clunky performances, some hokey and overwrought period piece silliness, and many similarities to Jaws (not surprising since this story apparently inspired Peter Benchley), the film is easy to get into. The shark attacks are frightening and even somewhat graphic and the gore effects (nothing over the top) are both chunky and bloody. 12 Days Of Terror will fare quite well as a neat little Saturday afternoon time waster. I said, “both chunky and bloody”, right?