The script by Peter Benchley, was actually loosely based upon a series of shark attacks which rocked a east coast American beach in the early 1900's (Yes, history has left enough crumbs to assume that the 'rogue' shark theory is not only possible, but very probable). Benchley, wrote about the Great White shark, and there is good reason why they choose this type of shark. The Great White is the most impressive living creature in the planet today; it is the true master of its domain, a perfect killing machine.

The music by John Williams really adds to the tension, and delivers maximum suspense. The shark does look a little dated when compared to 1999's 'Deep Blue Sea' (a fun film), but this has a lot more to offer. It's a pity Spielberg didn't do to 'Jaws' what Lucas did to 'Star Wars', using the kind of effects used in 'Deep Blue Sea'.

This film is in my all time top ten, and always will be. It still has me checking the water before I swim in the sea.


Has it been thirty years?   February 8, 2008
 42 out of 43 found this review helpful

Jaws DVD

Roy Scheider plays the police chief of Amity Island, a resort town somewhere in New England, which is being terrorized by a Great White Shark (GWS).

We were just sitting on the beach drinking beer and smoking pot when someone decided to go skinny dipping in the ocean. Bad idea!

The excellent music composed by John Williams will always make me think of JAWS.


The police chief, played by Roy Scheider is suspicious that it is a GWS but the mayor, of course doesn't want to believe him until it conclusive, which it is fairly soon. The police chief wants to close the beaches, but that would costs too much in economic terms so he is vetoed.

All-in-all an enjoyable movie, but not right before you go on vacation at the beach.


Throughout the movie the GWS is anthropomorphized so that we / the movie makers give him almost human intelligence.

Not recommended for anyone who wants to swim in the ocean. For me it's swimming pools from now on, Baby.

Gunner February, 2008



A Modern Adventure Classic!   May 25, 2000
 31 out of 35 found this review helpful

This movie is a credit to everyone associated with it, from the stellar cast of actors and actresses to the direction by Steven Speilberg to the original story (a novel) and screenwriting by Peter Benchley. This is a riviting tale superbly told, with excellent cinematography and special effects, and a scary soundtrack that builds the edge of mystery to a crescendo each time it musically announces the shark's appearence.

The idea for the movie is deceptively simple; a great white shark with a fond taste for the sweet taste of human flesh is patrolling the water off Amity Island (read Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard)and terrorizing the summer tourist population. Inject into this some interesting and novel subplots regarding a burned-out city cop and unlikely undersung hero, a brainy, affable but basically misunderstood young marine biologist, and a wonderfully crusty old mariner turned professional shark fisherman and you have the recipe for an entertaining rollercoaster ride.

This movie is a modern classic, one with a young Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and the late Robert Shaw. Watching their characters interact is an afternoon's entertainment well deserved, one that is durable and repeatable. It also is one that translates very well into the DVD mode. One caution; don't view it anytime before going for your summer vacation. You may really be afraid to go back into the water!