August 2010
Genre: Horror/Comedy/Remake
Starring: Steven R. McQueen, Jessica Szohr, Elizabeth Shue, Kelly Brook, Jerry O’Connell, Ving Rhames, Adam Scott, Richard Dreyfuss and Christopher Lloyd.
Running Time: 88 mins.
Certificate: 18.
Seen At: Parrs Wood’s Cinemas, Didsbury.
On: Thursday, 26th August, 2010.
The deep blue sea and its inhabitants have been scaring the life out of audiences for almost four decades. This was due of course to the colossal success of the very first blockbuster, in 1975 that made holidaymakers everywhere stay out of the water – Jaws. How fitting then that the opening sequence of this latest summer 3D effects-extravaganza should feature an unsuspecting Richard Dreyfuss, sitting in a tiny fishing boat in the middle of a secluded lake...
As you might have guessed, he doesn’t last long though. Soon, he’s descending into a whirlpool after being the latest meal to a swarming school of bloodthirsty piranhas...
Thousands of teenagers then arrive at that very lake in question – Florida’s Lake Victoria, to party over their spring break. Needless to say, those clear-blue waters soon turn a distinct shade of red, as prey is served and predators tuck in...
The film’s tagline ‘3D shows its teeth’ actually couldn’t be more apt – once the proper carnage really starts, these monstrous creatures of the deep really do look and feel like they’re teeth will come and devourer you up! The 3D itself is on blisteringly terrific form, using every opportunity to great effect. The actual attack scenes themselves are both exhilarating and entertaining to watch, without ever being unnecessarily brutal or gratuitously gory.
Of course, with the effects being as seamless and superb as they are, the dialogue is often weak, clichéd, even predictable, but there’s one aspect of the script that is surprising; that is that it is just as funny as it is scary – whether you find that this is the case for the right reasons however is an open question.
The majority of roles are somewhat underdeveloped, with most performances being poorly acted, but Christopher Lloyd almost steals the show as a piranha expert.
If the rumors are to be believed, filming has already started on a sequel to be released next November. Lloyd’s startling revelations in the final scene certainly provide an ideal set-up for a return. For me, personally I can’t wait to see more, if only because this is so much fun to watch, as it had me screaming and laughing in equal measure – bring on the next one! Enormously entertaining!
Rating: * * * *
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