Watch Piranha II: The Spawning

Piranha II: The Spawning is a 1981 horror movie directed by James Cameron, a then-unknown filmmaker who later went on to direct blockbuster movies like Titanic and Avatar. The movie is a sequel to the 1978 movie Piranha, but it has a different storyline and characters. The movie is set on a tropical island resort called Club Elysium. The resort is owned by Anne Kimbrough (Tricia O'Neil), who also serves as the resort's scuba diving instructor. Anne's estranged husband, Steve (Steve Marachuk), is the pilot of the resort's small plane that takes tourists on scenic flights. One day, Steve and his co-pilot, Gabrielle (Milly Santos), spot a sunken ship that appears to be loaded with treasures. They decide to dive down and explore the wreck, but they soon discover that the ship was carrying genetically-engineered piranhas that were created by the military for combat purposes. Unfortunately, the piranhas have survived and evolved in the ocean, and they are now hungry and aggressive. They start attacking and killing people who swim in the ocean, including some of the resort's guests. Anne and the resort's manager, Tyler Sherman (Lance Henriksen), try to cover up the attacks and keep the guests from panicking, but their efforts are in vain. The piranhas keep multiplying and becoming more dangerous, and it's only a matter of time before they overrun the entire resort. The movie has all the hallmarks of a B-movie horror film: a ridiculous premise, cheesy acting, and gory special effects. However, it is also notable for its underwater scenes, which were shot by James Cameron himself. The director's talent for underwater cinematography would later be showcased in his blockbuster hit The Abyss. Tricia O'Neil delivers a solid performance as Anne Kimbrough, a tough and resourceful heroine who takes charge when the resort is attacked by piranhas. Her character has a complicated past with Steve, and their reunion adds a bit of drama to the otherwise campy movie. Steve Marachuk's performance as Steve is somewhat wooden, but he gets some of the movie's most memorable lines, such as "They're eating the guests, sir." Lance Henriksen is also a memorable presence as Tyler Sherman, the resort's chain-smoking manager who is determined to keep the resort running despite the piranha attacks. The movie's gore and violence are over-the-top, but they still manage to be unsettling at times. The piranhas are depicted using a mix of practical effects and puppetry, and while some of the shots are clearly fake, others are surprisingly realistic. Overall, Piranha II: The Spawning is a fun and campy horror movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. While it may not be James Cameron's finest work, it is still an entertaining slice of '80s horror that is worth checking out for fans of cult classics.