By: Blake Edgington, Movie Critic

 

Film: Piranha 3-D
Directed by: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Jerry O’Connell, Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rhames

Rated: R
Review: 3 bags

Photo Courtesy: Dimension Films

 

  
 

Piranha may be the most purposely horrible film of 2010, but it may be the purposely most entertaining one too. It’s been quite some time since this type of B-movie has attracted so much attention, and it rightly deserves it. Hollywood has had a problem coming up with new ideas lately, pretty much ripping off old films and making tired sequels. Piranha 3D on the other hand is a refreshing take on other B films such as Snakes on A Plane or the early 80’s B film gem, Shark Attack.

I can’t believe I’m about to explain the plot, even though the most brain dead among the masses can pretty much decipher what the movie is about just from the title...it’s about killer piranhas, and it’s in 3D. But here’s a bit more. Every year the tiny and peaceful town of Lake Victoria is invaded by hundreds of Spring Break revelers looking for nothing else but booze and boobs (yes, every teenage male that sneaks into this film will be clamoring to buy this movie when it’s released on DVD so they can see it on their own, if you catch my dream). Due to an underwater tremor, pre-historic killer piranhas are let loose, and wreak havoc upon the Spring Breakers. It’s up to a small group of survivors to escape this aquatic terror.

This film humorously mixes comedy, gratuitous sex and gruesome violence. Best of all, it’s one of the few films I’ve seen that were not filmed in 3D that actually transfer decently into the recent hype of the 3D format. We even have the pleasure of having someone vomit all over us in 3D (enjoy your popcorn folks).

As far as the acting...well, that’s all I’ve got say about that. One big thumbs up though for Richard Dreyfuss. Many people will not appreciate this, but Dreyfuss put aside any thoughts of taking himself seriously and parodied his character from Jaws in this film, that leads to a very funny scene in the film. One other note, Jerry O’Connell, does a good job as the obnoxious creator of a Girls Gone Wild type production. He’s so purposely obnoxious that his death is met with applause and joy from the audience.

I’m not saying Piranha is great by any stretch of the imagination, but if you manage to leave your brain at home, and let’s face it, sometimes we need to do this, go see Piranha 3D!