Review: Piranha 3D (2010)

Given my distaste for High Tension, another movie directed by Alexander Aja, it might come as a surprise that this is another personal favorite of mine.  But I not only eagerly saw it in theaters back when it first came out (and loved it) but it has been regularly watched in the intervening years.  It's exploitative, trashy, lowest-common-denominator filmmaking and I love every minute of it.

The film takes place in Lake Victoria, Arizona (not a real city, but I appreciate the somewhat surprising decision to put it in Arizona of all places) and primarily follows Sheriff Julie Forester (Elisabeth Shue, giving just the perfect amount of character to this part) and her son Jake (Steven R. McQueen in one of the only two movies he has been in) as they deal with spring breakers partying alongside the emergence of prehistoric piranha released by an earthquake.

This movie is filled with other character actors - all of them having a blast - filling out roles both big and small.  Ving Rhames, Adam Scott, Richard Dreyfuss, Christopher Lloyd, Dina Meyer, Jerry O'Connell, Kelly Brook - all of them are playing to the cheap seats, which is exactly what this movie needs.

I've talked previously about movies where it is obvious that the gore are effects are done with a gleeful 'look what we can do!' attitude and Piranha 3D is at the forefront of my mind every time I mention it.  This gore is fantastic and plentiful, and if High Tension had to exist for this movie to be made, than it is absolved of at least a few of its sins.  In addition to the bites and tears from the piranhas, we have head smashes, decapitations, and  - in the movie's very best effects shot - a scalping via boat motor.  This movie is not for the squeamish.

It is also not for those uncomfortable with nudity: this movie displays mammaries like it wanted to see if it could set a record.  It's almost inspirational, the ways Aja finds to get women out of their clothes.  However, if you are a fan of the male body, prepare to only see guys in swim trunks, for this film is aping a particular type of exploitation flick, and it isn't one that is equal opportunity in that regard.

I mention the performances playing to the cheap seats, and the best in that regard is Jerry O'Connell.  Playing a character somewhat inspired by Joe Francis of Girls Gone Wild infamy, he is relishing being as scuzzy as possible while also being hilarious.  It perfectly matches the tone the film is going for and is a highlight of every scene he is in.

Now, this movie is obviously not for everyone - the gore and nudity more than earn the R rating, and it wouldn't surprise me if it was on the cusp of an NC-17 - but for fans of the genre who appreciate effects work, this is a must see.  Fans of horror in general should enjoy it, even if it also has a healthy dose of comedy.

8 out of 10

Published Oct 22, 2026