Everybody dreams of being a somebody, but how far would you go to obtain that dream? And once you obtain it, how far would you go to keep that dream?

Directed by Vickey Jenson, “Shark Tale” is a Pixar-animated film that’s laugh-out-loud hilarious and imaginative, while at the same time warms the audience’s heart.

Oscar, whose voice is played by Will Smith, is a small fish with big dreams. Oscar is tired of working at the Whale Wash scrapping plaque off of whales’ tongues and being broke all the time; he’s tired of being a nobody and wants desperately to change his luck.

One day at the racetrack where he goes to pay back the money he borrowed from his boss, Oscar overhears a conversation about a sure bet on a sea horse at the racetrack that’s going to win. Thinking he can get rich quick, Oscar bets all his money on the sea horse. Unfortunately, the horse loses.

Upset that Oscar lost all his money, Skyes (Martin Scorsese) sends his goons, two jellyfishes, to teach Oscar a lesson.

While being tortured, Oscar encounters two great white sharks, Lenny, played by Jack Black, and Frankie, Lenny’s older brother. Being that he cannot be the cold-hearted killer his father Lino (Robert De Niro) wants him to be, Lenny tries to save Oscar from being seen by Frankie who would likely eat him. The two quickly become friends and hatch up a plan that will benefit them both; Oscar will help Lenny disappear if Lenny helps Oscar become the “shark slayer.”

Their plan is a success when Oscar becomes an instant celebrity while Lenny disappears to be the vegetarian he wants to be.

Everything goes well for Oscar and Lenny until Lino decides to have revenge on Oscar, thinking that Oscar has “slayed” his two sons. Now Oscar and Lenny try to find a way to keep what they’ve obtained while trying not to get caught.

“Shark Tale” puts a humorous twist on contributing some old classic movies such as when Frankie hums the “Jaws” song saying “this is our theme song” or Don Lino being the “Godfather” of the reef.

“Shark Tale” doesn’t disappoint in the creativity of their setting which takes place in New York City. Like the “Big Apple” itself, the reef is full of life, colors and chaos.

It will also warm the hearts of moviegoers everywhere with scenes such as where Don Lino hugs Lenny saying that he will always love Lenny no matter if he’s a vegetarian or not.

Audiences will also be pleasantly surprised at how much the animated characters resemble the movie stars who play their voices such as Angie, whose voice is played by Ren?e Zellweger. Like the actress herself, Angie is soft spoken, loving, caring and has a quirky sense of humor.

The unoriginal storyline, however, casts a shadow over the movie in that the character wants something more and lies to get it.

Another disappointment was how predictable the characters of the movie were, such as Lola, whose voice is played by Angelina Jolie. Like countless other movies, Lola is the conniving evil fish who will go to any length to get to the top and doesn’t care who she hurts on the way.

Another character that was also predictable was Oscar, who told a white lie to gain his instant fame, but when he got the attention and lifestyle he craved, he started to regret how he gained it.

Even with the predictability of the characters and the storyline, the creativity, humor and imagination of the movie makes up for it.

On Screen

What: “Shark Tale”: When a member of the shark mafia is killed by a dropping anchor, Oscar (Will Smith) takes full responsibility and is hailed as a shark-slaying hero.

Rated: PG

Starring: Will Smith, Renee Zellweger, Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie.

Bottom Line: Storyline is predictable, but fun and creative animation keeps audience entertained.