Jaws Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: An island town has become the feeding ground for a monstrous shark while only the town's police chief, a marine biologist, and a local fisherman can stop the beast.

Review: Some consider this film to be the first summer blockbuster, and it deserved every penny it earned. This film succeeds in virtually every aspect of film making which is surprising considering its nightmarish production history. Jaws essentially created Spielberg's career even though there were so many problems in the shooting process. But I won't bother going into it here as there are entire documentaries on the production of Jaws and its proper application of Murphy's Law. What I will address is how many believe this is one of the scariest movies ever made, because it digs deep into a primal fear...the fear of being eaten alive! Forget ghosts, monsters, and the devil, there's something about a giant shark or just those teeth that sends a shiver down your spine. It's that feeling that a human doesn't belong in the ocean and that you are so vulnerable while also being totally unaware what lurks under the waves. I'm not going to lie, this movie has made me very weary of ever going in the ocean, and I refuse to go out further than a few feet. Despite how rare it is to actually be attacked by a shark, I think I'll play it safe and let someone else end up as chum! Other than the natural fear, this film successfully creates legendary characters you care about as well as one of the most recognizable film scores in history. The animatronics for the shark (called Bruce) were and probably still are groundbreaking. More credit must be given to the production crew for working on all of these things while often filming in water. If you haven't watched this film yet, get out from the rock you're hiding under and see it. The music is iconic, the practical effects are still impressive, the pacing and atmosphere are perfect, the characters are all superbly acted and memorable, and it genuinely makes you scared to go in the water. Now if only there were never any sequels...

Notable Moment: When we first get a good look at the shark accompanied by Brody's infamous "You're gonna need a bigger boat" line.

Final Rating: 9/10