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Jaws 2
1978 117 min United States of America PG 18+
★5.9
Horror, Thriller
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Trailers
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Description
Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the waters.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$81.77M
Worldwide:
$187.88M
Starring
Roy Scheider
Actor
Lorraine Gary
Actor
Murray Hamilton
Actor
Key opinion
Jaws 2 is widely considered a functional but uninspired successor to Spielberg's original masterpiece, often criticized for its repetitive plot and commercial nature. While Roy Scheider’s performance and John Williams' score earn praise, the film’s reliance on teenage characters and its failure to capture the original's tension leave many viewers disappointed.
| Acting | Roy Scheider’s committed performance provides a necessary anchor for the film, even when the script forces his character into illogical situations. | |
| Score | John Williams’ score remains a standout, effectively maintaining tension and providing a musical quality that rivals his work on the first film. | |
| Production | The shark effects are frequently cited as inferior and overly mechanical, failing to replicate the menace of the original’s practical effects. | |
| Theme | The shift in focus toward teenage protagonists and extended party sequences diminishes the film's suspense and emotional stakes compared to the original. | |
| Originality | The plot is widely viewed as a repetitive, profit-driven retread of the first film, lacking the innovation or narrative necessity of its predecessor. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the overall experience are divided: some find the film a gripping and stylish thriller that honors the franchise, while others find it a tedious, redundant, and boring follow-up. |