I'm on a mission. Not from God, but to watch some of my favorite director's debut movies. Two of those happen to belong to the Pirahna franchise...Joe Dante's Pirahna and James Cameron's Pirahna 2: The Spawning. I've resisted these previously on the basis they'd be dross, but given my respect for both directors, it was inevitable one day.
Both movies, while inexpensive Roger Corman exploitation movies, were a surprise...but in different ways. Pirahna is actually a very entertaining black comedy horror. It helps that the script is solid...not only in terms of it's fast pace but witty characters. Dante then brings this to life with his trademark style, riffing on retro b-movie horrors. It's cast with unexpected oddballs and social misfits where you'd expect to see boobs and pretty faces. LIke most Dante movies it's far more fun than it is frightening.
Camerons sequel unfortunately isn't nearly as good. Where Dante was able to juggle the comedy and the horror, Cameron plumps for a thrillerish tone..but populates his movie with social misfits and awkward comedy sequences that feel out of place. The pacings off as well. Since it's a follow up, there should be more action and the plot more momentum. Alas, Pirahna attacks occur infrequently.
Three things were pleasently surprising about this;-
1/ Cameron's love of undersea wreck diving dates back to his first movie (if not before).
2/ Always good to see Lance Henrickson in a major role. More surprising was the Adrienne Barbeau look-a-like in the lead; turns out it was Trica O'Neil (Capt Rachel Garrett in Star Trek's Yesterdays Enterprise)
3/ Cameron's director style (like Dantes) was already firmly in place on his debut. Cold blues and harsh reds in the photography, serious tone etc.
So I'm glad I same them. The original I may be tempted to watch again...sometime in the future...with a few beers. The sequel I think I'll pass on. It's OK...but it's not the Jim Cameron movie of choice.
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