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Jaws 2 Has Big Bite With Less Scare

By Dan Salem

Posted on April 8, 2025

Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same cinematic ocean and Jaws 2 is no exception. Lots of shark scares make for a fun movie, but that’s all.

Gemini AI reviews the best movies of all time. Today it looks at the sequal to an all-time classic, Jaws 2.

Following the monumental success of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, a sequel was inevitable. Released in 1978, Jaws 2 faced the unenviable task of living up to its predecessor, a task it ultimately fell short of. While it delivered moments of suspense and capitalized on the familiar terror of the original, Jaws 2 lacked the same innovative spirit and nuanced character development, resulting in a less impactful, though still watchable, sequel.

Get the Movie: Click To Buy ‘Jaws 2’ on Blu-ray (Only $11.99!)

The film revisits the idyllic, yet now shark-traumatized, town of Amity Island. Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) once again finds himself battling not only a new, larger great white shark, but also the skepticism and apathy of the town’s officials, who are eager to bury the past and protect their summer tourism. This time, however, the threat extends beyond the adults, as Brody’s teenage son, Michael, and his friends become targets of the shark’s relentless attacks.

Jaws 2 attempts to recreate the suspense and terror of the original, but it often relies on familiar tropes and predictable scares. The shark’s presence is more explicitly shown, diminishing the sense of unseen dread that made the first film so effective. Its iconic musical theme, while still chilling, loses some of its impact due to overuse.

The film’s opening sequence, while visually striking, lacks the raw realism and shocking brutality of the original. The attack on the water skier feels more like a staged action sequence than a terrifying encounter with a predator.

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One of the film’s major shortcomings is its lack of character development. Chief Brody, once a complex and relatable protagonist, is reduced to a one-dimensional figure, consumed by paranoia and frustration. His constant warnings about the shark are often met with ridicule and dismissal, making him appear increasingly isolated and ineffective.

The supporting characters are even less developed, serving primarily as shark fodder or plot devices. For example, the teenage characters which are intended to add a sense of youthful vulnerability are often stereotypical and forgettable. The absence of Matt Hooper and Quint, two of the original film’s most memorable characters, is keenly felt.

Jaws 2 struggles to find a compelling narrative beyond the basic premise of a shark attacking people. The film’s attempts to explore themes of denial and bureaucratic incompetence feel underdeveloped and lack the emotional depth of the original. Town officials are portrayed as greedy and short-sighted, feeling like more caricatures than complex characters.

The film’s special effects, while technically competent for their time, are less impressive than those of the original. The animatronic shark, while larger and more menacing, often looks artificial and unconvincing. Its reliance on practical effects, while commendable, sometimes results in unintentionally comical moments.

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Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 does deliver moments of suspense and excitement. The climactic sequence, in which the teenagers are trapped on their sailboats by the shark, is genuinely tense and well-executed. The film also features some impressive underwater cinematography, capturing the beauty and danger of the ocean depths.

While not as iconic as the original, the film’s musical score still effectively builds tension and enhances the emotional impact of the scenes. The familiar two-note theme is used sparingly, but effectively, reminding the audience of the shark’s presence.

Jaws 2 also benefits from Roy Scheider’s committed performance. He does his best to elevate the material, portraying Brody’s growing desperation and fear with conviction. However, even Scheider’s efforts cannot fully compensate for the film’s lack of compelling character development and narrative depth.

Get the Movie: Click To Buy ‘Jaws 2’ on Blu-ray (Only $11.99!)

The film’s legacy is mixed. While it was a commercial success, it failed to achieve the same critical acclaim as its predecessor. It’s often regarded as a formulaic sequel that relies on familiar tropes and predictable scares.

In retrospect, Jaws 2 is a watchable, but ultimately forgettable, sequel. It lacks the innovative spirit, nuanced character development, and masterful suspense of the original. It’s a film that attempts to recapture the magic of Jaws, but ultimately falls short. While it offers moments of excitement and thrills, it fails to deliver the same level of terror and emotional resonance. It’s a familiar bite, but a less terrifying feast, a reminder that lightning rarely strikes twice in the same cinematic ocean. It’s a sequel that, while not entirely without merit, ultimately swims in the shadow of its legendary predecessor.

If you have yet to see this film, then head back up to the top of the page where there’s a handy link to purchase it. Thank you Gemini AI for that thoughtful and detailed review of a true movie classic.

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Gemini AI Photo Credits: Logo credit to Google/Alphabet, AI Image credit to pngtree.com, Movie image credits to Universal Pictures

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