Is Shooting Fish Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Shooting Fish is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Shooting Fish Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1997, Shooting Fish enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Two con artists hire an unwitting medical-school student as a secretary for their latest scam. Under the direction of Stefan Schwartz, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Dan Futterman, Stuart Townsend, Kate Beckinsale. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Shooting Fish offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Shooting Fish resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Shooting Fish is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Shooting Fish centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. Two con artists hire an unwitting medical-school student as a secretary for their latest scam. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1997 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Shooting Fish has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Shooting Fish sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Shooting Fish (1997): with an audience rating of 6.3/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Comedy, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Shooting Fish Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $302,204 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Shooting Fish Budget
The estimated production budget for Shooting Fish is $3,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Shooting Fish is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Shooting Fish stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shooting Fish movie hit or flop?
Shooting Fish has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Shooting Fish worth watching?
Shooting Fish is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Shooting Fish?
Shooting Fish is a Crime, Comedy, Romance movie that Two con artists hire an unwitting medical-school student as a secretary for their latest scam....
Explore More Verdicts
More with Dan Futterman
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Shooting Fish movie hit or flop?
Shooting Fish has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Shooting Fish worth watching?
Shooting Fish is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Shooting Fish?
Shooting Fish is a Crime, Comedy, Romance movie that Two con artists hire an unwitting medical-school student as a secretary for their latest scam....
Is Shooting Fish family friendly?
Yes, Shooting Fish is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Crime, Comedy, Romance genre.
Where can I watch Shooting Fish?
You can find streaming options and availability for Shooting Fish on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Shooting Fish?
Shooting Fish features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Shooting Fish?
The runtime and duration of Shooting Fish are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
From opposite sides of the Pond, but with a similarly parent-free upbringing, “Jez” (Stuart Townsend) and “Dylan” (Dan Futterman) have crafted themselves quite a nifty little grifting business. The former is a bit of a tech whizz, the latter could sell sand in the desert and together, from their home in a disused London gasometer, they have a target of raising £2 millions so they can buy a stately home - the kind the poverty-stricken “Dylan” dreamt of when he was a boy. It’s their latest wheeze that ropes in posh gal "Georgie” (Kate Beckinsale) and leads to two becoming three as their enterprise enters the home straight. Then, though, they fall foul of one of their more savvy marks, end up in jail and discover that Her Majesty is not only going to keep them for three months, but that she’s also fallen out of love with her visage on a £50 note. These are all to be withdrawn before the boys are set free. What to do? Meantime, “Georgie” is about to marry the venal “Roger” (Dominic Mafham) whilst trying to keep her late father’s charitable foundation afloat - a matter particularly close to her heart as her younger brother has Downs Syndrome and lives with his friends in a converted wing of their family home that is now required by the taxman. Now she is as honest as the day is long, but when needs must might she be tempted to help the boys to save their fortune - but on her own terms? It does blow hot and cold a little, especially towards the end, but there’s an engaging chemistry on display here between the two lads and between Townsend and Beckinsale and their antics as they sell sixth generation computer chips, adeptly recycle loft insulation and come up with quite an innovative jockey’s aid all made me smile. The soundtrack, with loads of “Space” and their “Beautiful Neighourhood”, and some quite entertaining writing all made this a film that I really quite enjoyed. A simple story of the urchins that turned.