Jaws

"You're gonna need a bigger boat." - Chief Brody

release year: 1975
genre: giant monster drama
viewing setting: home Bluray 7/14/25 and home DVD 1/16/01 and several other times in the past

synopsis: Giant shark enters populated waters and feeds at will as humans generally refuse to accept the problem.

impressions: This is an acknowledged classic, and made an impact when it came out back in 1975. It sets the mood quite well before each shark attack, and also blends that horror with the stupidity of those who can't comprehend what they're dealing with. Eventually, when the danger is finally accepted by all, several of the main characters set out on a boat to hunt and kill the shark. This trip is the real meat of the movie, a high adventure whose tension never lets up.

acting: Roy Scheider is the police chief who's the first to realize what's going on. Richard Dreyfuss is a shark expert who comes to town to try and help. Robert Shaw is a crusty old fisherman who's tough but makes some truly idiotic decisions here and there. Lorraine Gary is the chief's wife. Murray Hamilton is the town's mayor, who refuses to accept that a shark is roaming the waters around his town

final word: Entertaining as well as original for its time, it still holds up. If by some chance you've never seen it, you should.

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