JAWS 2

     I'll never understand why so many horror movie fans seem to disregard the JAWS movies as not being "true" horror movies, whatever the hell that means. The original JAWS terrified millions of people around the globe- even people living in Kansas for God's sakes! If that's not a scary movie, then I don't know what is, kiddos.

    A sequel to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time was inevitable, I suppose- but I'm not going to re-hash the millions of things that's been said about JAWS 2 over the years. Yes, we know it wasn't Spielberg directing this time- nobody could compare to him anyways and Jeannot Szwarc does a damn fine job with the material and makes it his own and that is THAT. I love the original film, and it would be virtually impossible to replicate Steven Spielberg's style and techniques.

   Jeannot Szwarc obviously paid attention to what made the first film work so well and wisely brings some of that to the sequel. JAWS 2 certainly had a lot to live up to, but it's foolish to compare the two. The film has faults to be found, sure- the pace could be a bit tighter in parts and the residents of Amity seem to have dreadful memories except good ole' Chief Brody, but overall JAWS 2 is a damn near perfect summer fright flick.

     Spare me moans and groans about the script- we watch JAWS 2 (and JAWS 3-D and JAWS: THE REVENGE, for that matter...) for one reason only. We want to see a Great White terrorizing folks, plain and simple. And this film delivers that in spades.

     I love how most of the main cast of the first film returns, and it's downright fun to re-visit Amity again. Pesky film snobs love to make fun of the special effects of these films, but they look far better and more realistic than anything you'd find in ANACONDA or DEEP BLUE SEA, that's for sure.

     JAWS 2 has many great, memorable scenes that rival anything found in the original- the two divers discovering the Orca at the first of the film, the infamous water-skiing scene, the burnt shark rising up to almost devour an unconscious Mike Brody, and the climax of course. Not to mention hands down one of the greatest taglines in all of film history- "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.."- brilliant is all I'm saying.

     JAWS 2 was cool and scary enough to be featured just as prominently as the original in the wonderful TERROR IN THE AISLES, and all you wacky horror nerds out there be sure to look for a very young Bryan Norton, who appears in a small role.

     I love this movie. I think it definitely holds its own and has carved its own niche in the annals of horror, and seems to be growing a rather loyal fanbase over the years, which is always great to see. Now there have been some pretty good recent shark movies- I for one enjoyed the first OPEN WATER, THE REEF, and THE SHALLOWS- but they ain't no JAWS 2, guys. C'mon. When I was a kid I rented these damn movies all the time and the JAWS marathons were just as special to me as a marathon of HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH, or THE AMITYVILLE HORROR. Plus the trailer is kick ass.