Piranha (1978)

     Piranha (1978) – After the success of Jaws, numerous b-class movies were made to cash in on the success.  These were typically low budget and most were not very good.  However, one of those movies has essentially become a cult classic.  Some movies are great movies to watch that are not actual “great movies” from a technical or script stand point.  Piranha is one of those cult classic movies.  I’m not going to tell you it is a great movie with dramatic story and great special effects because I want to maintain my credibility.  However, I absolutely love this film and many others do as well.  It’s been given mostly 4 & 5 stars at Amazon by those that bought the film.

The plot is that the government was developing these nasty little fish for a war effort, but once the war ended, the fish were to be destroyed.  But, a scientist has kept these mutated little monsters alive.  When two hikers go missing, an insurance agent is on the hunt.  With the help of a local drunk who knows the area, they stumble on this government location and oops, all the fish are loose in the river and headed down stream.  Well, down the river is a kids camp and luxury resort with a feast of fresh humans ready for the tasting.  Our friends try to warn everyone, but the government can’t let that happen.  Well, ring the dinner bell and our hungry little fish take care of the rest.  Wait a minute, this river dumps in the ocean.  Uh ohhh….

This is a campy, b-movie horror flick and it is great for what it is.  The movie’s story is actually pretty good and, if you let your seriousness down a little, you’ll enjoy this little gem.  The scary scenes are tense.  The special effects are good for their time (no CGI), but the direction makes it look better than they are.  The music and sound effects are really good and keeps you “on the hook”.  And, there’s also some great one liners throughout that add some good comedy…..as all good b-movies should.  It’ll have you laughing at times and other times scared.  Are your kids going to summer camp?  Show them this movie and they’ll avoid swimming in anything except a pool.  Well, this movie might have some scenes not subtable for younger kids.

I love this movie and recommend you watch it as well.  Understand that it may not be the caliber of Jaws or the other “horror royalty”, but it is a very good movie to watch.  After all, who doesn’t like watching kids and rich people get eaten up?

** Just click the image to see “Piranha (1978)” at Amazon.com **

Jaws

     Jaws – Summer is coming and people are planning their vacations.  Girls are getting tan and guys are trying to get into shape getting ready for the beach.  So what great movie is best for people to watch?  Of course, a movie with great white shark eating people!!!!  It just doesn’t get better than Jaws.  In 1975, Steven Spielberg’s summer terror hit the big screen and has kept people scared of the water to this day.  And, that haunting theme music is constantly used in numerous ways at various modern events.

The plot is simple.  Amity is a family vacation spot and ripe with delicious people to eat.  No doubt our toothy friend chose this town to visit and conveniently just before the huge tourist season that the town relies on this season to financially survive.  After a couple of attacks, the police chief Brody wants to shut down the beach, but he’s overruled by the mayor.  Of course, feeding time continues as our shark continues to feast on our beachgoers.  Brody hires a shark killer and and oceanographer and go after our shark.  It’s war on the high seas and our shark puts up a heck of a fight.  I won’t ruin the ending.

This is a great horror/thriller film that won 3 oscars and was listed 56 on the AFI’s top 100 movies of all time.  As summer approaches, this is the perfect time to enjoy this movie again.  It is one of the all time classics and a great summer thrill.  You’ll be on the edge of your seat even after watching it several times.  And, if you’re going to the beach this year, I guarantee you’ll look at the ocean a little differently.

** Just click on the image to check out “JAWS” at Amazon.com **