Film 42/52: Piranha (1978)


Ah, Piranha. A Roger Corman production that I hadn't seen on video in many, many years. I've always enjoyed Joe Dante's films, and he has a way of making everything he touches fun; populating his films with friendly, familiar faces. We recently enjoyed the Video Archives podcast discussion on the film, so it seemed an ideal candidate for our 'P' entry in the series. 

Despite the great cast, and Dante's flair for black humor, I have to say I was a little disappointed. I think I went in with expectations set too high — thinking it might be on par with some of my favorite Dante films: The Howling, Gremlins, Innerspace, etc. It has its moments, but it doesn't maintain the level that those films do. Still, it is a step-up from Hollywood Boulevard!

Bradford Dillman's character is a surprising change from the many roles I've come to associate with him (Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Bug, and The Enforcer, and Sudden Impact). It's nice to see Dante regulars Kevin McCarthy and Dick Miller in slightly larger roles, alongside Barbara Steele, Keenan Wynn, and we even get a cameo from Richard Deacon (Fred Rutherford on Leave it to Beaver)!

Piranha effects (and a nice stop-motion creature) come courtesy our pals Jon Berg and Phil Tippett (fresh off of Star Wars), with Rob Bottin providing make-up effects.

For a Jaws rip-off, the film couldn't be less like Jaws, which is probably a point in its favor. And I give Dante another point for ending the film the way he does. But overall, it's just okay — nothing special (from a filmmaker who would go on to demonstrate a keen ability to make special fllms!). Who could have imagined that it would go on to spawn a franchise! My initial disappointment aside, it was still fun to experience on The Slaughtered Lamb screen.


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