In 1975, Steven Spielberg released a movie that became film’s first summer blockbuster. From its script to its actors to its music, “Jaws” stands today as a beloved classic. The iconic movie sparked three sequels—and critics and audiences have had much to say about them. So how did these follow-ups compare to the original?
Take a look at why many consider “Jaws” to be a stand-alone film.
The “Jaws” Legacy, 45 Years Later
It’s essential to consider “Jaws” as a whole before you dive into any sequels. The film effectively turned Hollywood on its head. With “Star Wars,” “Jaws” was used as a model for today’s movie trends. A high box office profit became a top priority for studios—and action-filled movies that featured straightforward storylines allowed them to achieve those goals. The summer blockbuster was born.
Universal Pictures debuted “Jaws” on over 400 screens across America. “Jaws” has since earned more than $1 billion worldwide. Its simple yet suspenseful plot has resonated with critics and audiences for 45 years. “Jaws” created a culture that stands tall nearly half a century after its release. After all, who couldn’t identify those famous bass notes as a possible shark attack?
The sequels fail to understand that a movie can’t only feature abrupt, gory scenes where animated animals explode for shock value.”
Without “Jaws,” it’s unlikely many modern hits would exist at all. That’s why it’s difficult to compare its sequels. A franchise’s first film tends to be its best. But if “Star Wars” could produce a follow-up that fans consider better than its original, “Jaws” should’ve been able to do better.
A Stray From What Makes “Jaws” Worthwhile
Roy Scheider as Chief Martin Brody in “Jaws 2” (Universal Pictures, 1978).
“Jaws 2” was released two years after “Jaws.” It came with many changes. The film was originally based on a novel by Peter Benchley. He and Spielberg didn’t return for any sequels. Instead, the story took on a new director—and a new angle entirely. “Jaws 2” follows a story like its predecessor. But rather than continue its adventure-like approach, “Jaws 2” adopts a slasher-esque feel that was popular way back when.
The most significant disappointment from “Jaws 2” might be this switch. The original movie had sharks at its forefront. That said, it wasn’t about deadly sea creatures if you take a deeper dive. “Jaws” followed three men with different outlooks on life as they came together for a greater cause. The follow-ups don’t offer a similar take on close human relationships—it’s all about sharks.
The “Jaws” sequels may be a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon—but they lack all that made “Jaws” a hit.”
Viewers love “Jaws” because each character offers humanity. You follow well-rounded, diverse people as they battle a single problem. The sequels fail to understand that a movie can’t only feature abrupt, gory scenes where animated animals explode for shock value. It’s true that more realistic issues like heat-induced illness at a local beach wouldn’t make a fun film, but it’s important to have balance.
If you viewed “Jaws 2,” “Jaws 3-D” and “Jaws: The Revenge” as movies made separate from “Jaws,” you’d at least be able to laugh along with them.
The Sequels Lack Fundamental Components
One of the robots used to portray the shark in “Jaws” on display.
From dialogue to cinematography, it’s like each sequel decided to skip certain movie necessities. It could be that studio heads wanted to capitalize on every “Jaws” film as a blockbuster hit with flashy visual effects and bloody shark-based plotlines.
Without Spielberg to lead, it’s clear that “Jaws” as a franchise steered away from important basics to focus on other endeavors. That’s its main fault.
The first “Jaws” filmed offered suspense that only Alfred Hitchcock had mastered before. Spielberg made a point to never truly reveal a shark. Instead, you knew one was about to strike as tension built up through visual and musical cues. There was also a more concentrated focus on memorable dialogue. You’ll probably resonate with lines from “Jaws” more so than you’ll enjoy whatever a “Jaws 3-D” character has to say.
You can trace each sequel’s blunder back to changes with directors, writers, and editors. A follow-up guided by Spielberg likely would’ve taken a more enjoyable route when compared to what was actually created. His take on “Jaws 2” involved an entirely different approach that producers turned down. While it’s hard to say whether it would’ve been a better film than “Jaws,” it’s fun to speculate.
While Sequels Can Be Fun, “Jaws” Stands Alone
The “Jaws” sequels may be a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon—but they lack all that made “Jaws” a hit. Be sure to watch them as stand-alone slasher comedy flicks if you ever decide to view them. That could be how they were intended, anyways.
