After accidentally releasing a large school of genetically altered species of piranha into a stream, the deadly fish find their way to children's summer camp and tourist resort. It's up to an insurance investigator (Heather Menzies) and a drunken recluse (Bradford Dillman) to prevent the hungry piranhas from chowing down on children and vacationers, with the help of a scientist (Kevin McCarthy) who has been breeding the piranhas in secret.
Producer Roger Corman responds to the success of Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" with this spoof/rip-off (and makes no apologies about it). While "Jaws" was frightening, this film went for scares, campy humor, cheesiness and cheap special effects. Best viewed with a few beers. Corman should be commended for boosting the careers of director Joe Dante ("Gremlins", "Looney Tunes: Back in Action") and screenwriter John Sayles ("Lone Star"). Keenan Wynn, Dick Miller, and Barbara Steele also star. Followed by "Piranha II: The Spawning" and remade in 1995. My evaluation: *** out of ****.
Producer Roger Corman responds to the success of Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" with this spoof/rip-off (and makes no apologies about it). While "Jaws" was frightening, this film went for scares, campy humor, cheesiness and cheap special effects. Best viewed with a few beers. Corman should be commended for boosting the careers of director Joe Dante ("Gremlins", "Looney Tunes: Back in Action") and screenwriter John Sayles ("Lone Star"). Keenan Wynn, Dick Miller, and Barbara Steele also star. Followed by "Piranha II: The Spawning" and remade in 1995. My evaluation: *** out of ****.