Jaws

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Rating: PG
Genre: Horror
1975

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A small tourist town in Long Island is threatened when a great white shark appears and begins feeding in the swimming waters. In an effort to stop the menace, the sheriff (Roy Scheider), an old fisherman (Robert Shaw) and a shark expert (Richard Dreyfuss) team up to kill the shark.

Review:

Tim: This film is widely regarded both as one of the scariest movies of all time, as well as the first real summer blockbuster. Why is that? Well, because this is excellent filmmaking right here. Spielberg really showed his talent early in making this film. It's superb.

Jaws is a truly terrifying film, but it is also very funny, too. Spielberg does a terrific job behind the camera. The shark attack scenes honestly make you never want to swim again... or even take a bath, for that matter.

Spielberg benefits also from putting together an incredible cast. Roy Scheider is perhaps at his career best in this film. His straight-laced character is equally matched for borderline lunacy (but also great experience) in Robert Shaw's character. Through the always amazing Richard Dreyfuss in there, and you have yourself one heck of cast. The chemistry between these three men is undeniable and once they set out after the shark, you almost forget for a moment that you're watching a horror movie.

Jaws also has some incredible dialogue. It's hard for any movie fan to forget Dreyfuss' "This was not a boating accident!" and especially Scheider's "You're gonna need a bigger boat." In addition, the scar showing scene needs to be mentioned. It is very gross, but great as well. it really says a lot about the importance of the masculinity of the characters. It is also an important break from the horror of the film.

While Jaws occasionally falls prey to typical horror film problems, all in all, the film is terrific. It also boasts an incredibly ending. I love the man v. shark final showdown. This is just a classic film that every movie fan needs to see... just don't plan on going swimming for some time after seeing it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Jaws 2, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, E.T., Jurassic Park, Minority Report