Directed by: John Gulager
Starring: Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, David Hasselhoff
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running time: 83 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
When I saw “Piranha 3D” in the theaters back in 2010, I was blown away and had quite a lot of fun. After viewing this sequel for the first time, I was left rather disappointed, especially after seeing the completely over-the-top red band trailer. After immediately viewing the film again, I realized that this might be one to grow on me. Now with that all aside, there are a bunch of great gags, some including penises (double entendre, ha!). The gore is present but not over-the-top like I was hoping. The double DD’s are definitely present as well but get’s lost in the shuffle. Overall, this film definitely gets better with repeat viewings but still manages to miss the mark overall.
The best part of the film is the supporting cast. David Koechner is funny as always. Christopher Lloyd is always a favorite of mine and I am very happy he returned to the role of Mr. Goodman. Gary Busey’s role is way too short and not as effective of a kick-off as the Dreyfuss bit was in the first film. Ving Rhames is a laugh riot as well but I wish his role was expanded. How can you say no to a line like “Gimme ma legs”? The VIP of the film though has to be David Hasselhoff. He absolutely steals the show, as usual, and really has a good time poking fun at himself. Be sure to stick around for through the credits to enjoy some more fun and outtakes with The Hoff stealing it again! You go Hoff!
The Blu-ray presentation is sharp with its 1080p transfer and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The 3D effects are present but don’t really top the first film. This a little disappointing especially since the first film was post-converted and this was actually shot in 3D. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also is decent but not really pushed either. “Piranha 3DD” comes in a three-disc set with two Blu-ray discs (3D & 2D), one DVD, a digital copy (as download).
The special features are over-the-top just like the film but actually do deliver some great content. There is a commentary with the filmmakers. I don’t know about anyone else but I am not a fan at of all John Gulager. There are three great Behind-the-scenes featurettes included as well. The first is called “The Story Behind the DD”, “The Hofftastic World of David Hasselhoff” and “Wet and Wild with David Koechner”. Anything with the Hoff is good in my book and Koechner really shines here more so than even in the film. “Busey’s Bloopers” is riot, as his opening scene was too short. Lastly there are a few deleted scenes included and also “Short film: A Lesson with John McEnroe”.
