Critic Review: Compelling, well-crafted storytelling and a judicious sense of terror ensure Steven Spielberg's Jaws has remained a benchmark in the art of delivering modern blockbuster thrills.
I still find this film pretty terrifying.
Jaws remains, decades later, a near perfect film.
Enjoyment derived from tension and fear, interspersed with brief breathers to allow nerve-relieving chuckles and smiles.
Before we see anything, our ears are chilled by composer John Williams' menacing two note soundtrack which then builds into that unforgettable frenzy as the unseen shark savages its first victim.
What this movie is about, and where it succeeds best, is the primordial level of fear.
The first is the best. When it comes to this kind of thriller, no movie has been able to top Jaws, although many have tried. And, as the years go by, it seems increasingly unlikely that anything will come close.
User Reviews: "One of the most effective thrillers ever made".
"It's just such a good film".
JAWS is the true definition of a great thriller. Not so much the subsequent rip-offs it quote-unquote "inspired" (PIRANHA, NIGHTWING). This is truly Spielberg's definitive work.
This is the BEST horror/suspense film I have ever seen. The build up is so intense and the confrontations are the most intense. Steven Spielberg really delivers here and proved that he really has what it takes to be fresh and original and give the audience what they need to see. This film is a classic and nails everything perfectly with its cast, direction, music and script. A perfect classic film.
A genuine classic; filled with great suspensful moments, wonderfully directed and precisely shot. The main trio of characters and its performers as well as their interaction are as remarkable as the film itself. John Williams' widely known score needs no compliments. One of Spielberg's best.
IMDB: 8.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 98% Metacritic: 79% User Score: 8.6/10