Piranha 3D-2010

Director Alexandre Aja

Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rhames

Scott’s Review #529

Reviewed November 29, 2016

Grade: C-

2010’s Piranha 3D is a tongue-in-cheek horror comedy that saves itself from being a complete drivel by having some sense of humor.

Remarkably, it stars some decent talents- Richard Dreyfuss, Ving Rhames, and Elisabeth Shue.

The film is pure fluff- not high art in the least, with no message or purpose to be found.

The film is terrible, but kind of fun at the same time. It’s camp and not to be taken at all seriously.

The plot is simplistic and standard horror fare- a school of piranhas are unleashed after an underwater earthquake, kill a fisherman, and ravage a college vacation party on a lake.

The college kids come to Lake Victoria to party and lounge on the beach, and typically, are dressed precariously. They are unceremoniously ripped to shreds by the angry and hungry killer fish.

Shue and Rhames must have hit rough times, and have required a paycheck to star in this. They play a Sheriff and Deputy- laughably unbelievable- as they try to protect the beach-goers from a grisly fate.

Dreyfuss plays a ridiculous and unnecessary role as the aforementioned fisherman.

On a serious (and sour) note, the objectifying of women is shocking in this day and age. Haven’t we seen enough stereotypes in one lifetime?

A few cool kills and humor, but Piranha 3D (2010) is a dumb, popcorn horror film.