Review of Jaws 2 (1978) by Corey W — 18 Aug 2011

Let me begin by saying Jaws 2 is the only worthy sequel to the original Jaws. Director Jeannot Szwarc takes on a sequel to the classic 1975 film that will be always be untouched, and this sequel does justice, for the most part. This film has it's moments, but it ultimately falls short. Nevertheless it is quite entertaining. It certianly is the best Jaws sequel and certainly not terrible. If one want's terrible, it's Jaws 3 and Jaws: The Revenge.

The plot is very simple, after four years since the first Jaws film, Amity Island is suffering from financial troubles. After some series of accidents/deaths occur in the ocean, Cheif Brody believes there is another shark problem.

The good thing about this sequel is the Roy Scheider. He's got great acting chops and who can ever forget his performance as Cheif Brody. He carries the whole film and is the hero in this movie.

The actors from the previous film such as Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, and Jeffery Kramer all return in their respective roles. That's definately a plus for the movie. They are all given more to do, so it was good to see their roles expanded. The whole Amity Island community was like a character, which was interesting to see what they do as a community to solve the shark problem by firing Brody.

Jeannot Szwarc's new camera technique showing the shark in a pov fashion was quite intriging to watch. John Willams new score is brilliant, combining elements of the first film and mixing it in with new ideas and new musical concept.

The bad things in this movie were the teens. It felt like a slasher flick midway through the film. The shark being the killer stalking teenagers with sailboats. It all felt out of place and not properly executed.

The pacing was a bit off, and it feels dragged in some areas going back an fourth to land and ocean. Because of this the suspense and thrills aren't as gripping.

Jeannot Szwarc obviously went for action over story while Steven Spielberg masterfully crafted an instense and scary film, yet at the same time provided a very interesting character study. Here, we just see blood, guts, and big rubber sharks-something that might look good in a B-horror-movie, but not in a "Jaws" film.

As a sequel to an immensely popular classic, Jaws 2 had a lot to live up to, and while it doesn't reach the level of sheer terror of the original, it's still effective in creating some thrills, couple of scares, and a few excitement. The biggest flaw is the pace, since the scenes on land drag on over and over. These moments hurt an otherwise entertaining and often fun motion picture.

A solid 63%.