When I saw previews for Piranha 3D, I wasn’t convinced it would be worth plunking down $10+ for the ticket. 3D is fun and all, but it seems like an excuse to charge more for movies. Those glasses probably cost 10 cents to manufacture (in China) and they add $3 to every 3D ticket price as a “surcharge.” And it seems to be catching on, since at least 75% of movie trailers I’ve seen recently are advertised as “in 3D.” I don’t mind as long as they keep making non-3D movies for me to enjoy.
As the release date for Piranha was approaching, it started to look better and better, and perhaps even worth the 3D cost. With the added buzz surrounding the movie’s gratuitous nudity and gore, it was apparent that I needed to see it.
Today, I went with a friend to check it out. I think most people will agree that this movie will never win any Oscars, and probably for good reason. But what made it so delightful was how well the whole package was delivered. Everything was spot on, as if the writers/filmmakers watched every bad horror movie from the 70s and 80s for use as reference material. Except that the bad stuff which usually bogs down this type of movie was not there. The cast was well picked and capable of acting for the most part. The story was semi-plausible and made for a perfect setup. The pacing was tight and never lingered for too long on any one moment. It even ended at the right time.
This movie would have been fine in 2D, but the 3D was fun, especially for the boobies and carnage. It’s all about the fun and that’s what I got. I don’t think it could have been any better.