Jaws 2 (1978)

Sequels are always difficult to venture into. While some exist that at least match the quality of the source material, most fall flat. Of course, this is usually the case when Hollywood is more concerned about money than originality. In my next review, I cover a sequel that was clearly more about money than an original concept: Jaws 2.

Plot/ Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the waters.

In many ways, this movie was doomed from the start. Think about it, no matter how good it was, there would be no way for it to live up to the bar set by the classic Jaws. Now, that does not make it a bad movie, but it does hamper its ability to stand on its own and capture the audience in the same way that the original. While there are some positives with decent performances, the awesome soundtrack, and some outstanding technical aspects, the overall atmosphere did not match the tension of the first. Add on the lack of memorable characters, an uneven storyline, and a predictable premise, and it is easy to why this one did not live up to the expectations set by the timeless Jaws. In the end, this is a perfect example of a movie franchise that did not need to add any sequels to secure its legacy in cinematic lore. Is this a bad movie? No, it really isn’t, but there is no way that it could have ever matched the depth or powerful impression left by the original. If you are in the mood for a shark movie, give it a shot, if not, watch the original; it has more bite.

Jaws (1975)

After taking yesterday off to go watch West Virginia defeat Youngstown State, I decided that it was time to get some movies in this afternoon. While I did watch a variety of material, I figured I should change things up a bit and review a classic. After some internal debate, I decided it was time to look at the timeless 1975 entry Jaws.

Plot/ When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and a grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

I tend to stay away from classics here on The Ringmaster’s Realm, but today, I decided to revisit a classic. I know everyone has heard of Jaws, and really there is nothing more I can say that hasn’t already been said or written somewhere. However, this is a movie that clearly stands the test of time and has held up quite well over the past few decades. Based on the book by Peter Benchley (who also gave me my introduction to the Bermuda Triangle), the storyline and vision that Steven Spielberg created is still amazing. The cast is masterful, with the characters all endearing themselves into every scene, the soundtrack is perfect, the atmosphere heavy, and the scripting and cinematography are examples that should be used in every film class. Hell, I still don’t like swimming in the ocean (although, there is some of my Naval career that influences that as well). Yes, the shark itself has some issues and there are some points that make you scratch your head, but those are but minor in the grand scheme. In the end, Jaws is a movie that helped shape not only a genre but also a generation (and amazingly it was done with a PG rating). If you have not seen this original classic, you are wrong. Watch it now!

Universal Studios - August 2016 - 1

This has been a tremendous week on vacation as I prepared for graduation. Universal Studios Orlando has changed so much since the last time I went (back in 1991), and must say it has changed for the better. As a horror fan, there were enough attractions to keep me interested. And while I did not make it to the new Kong attraction (the wait time was insane), it was still an awesome time. Here are a few pictures from the week, I am sure there will be more to follow as I get through them. 

Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful, but the Snowbeast Inside is Delightful.

As I sit down and prepare to be blanketed by another snowstorm (at least I should be off work for a couple days), I decided it was time to hit the Drive-In Movie Classics 50 Movie Pack I grabbed a few weeks ago to see what it had in store. That is when I saw the classic, made-for-TV Bigfoot flick, Snowbeast. As the snow starts to fall, what else could I choose to keep me company until the wife finishes the design project she is working on.

When I was kid, the made-for-TV movies were all the rage on our three channels (four if you count UHF)  and there was part of me that could remember Snowbeast. As I stated in one of my earlier blogs, The Legend of Boggy Creek was one of my favorites and this film was on par with that. In fact, in many ways it was better because you actually get to see the monster on different occasions throughout the film.

As the movie moves along, it is clear that Jaws  was a major influence behind the idea of making the movie. The basic premise is an ex-Olympic skier and wife (complete with a troubled marriage) go up to a ski lodge for him to find a job and save their marriage. Fortunately, the creature steps in and sets the stage for all of that plus more to come true. It did help that the resort owner and her grandson decided to keep the suspicion of the existence of the monster under-wraps so their Winter Carnival could be a success (Weren’t they in for a shock)!

Yes, the movie has is flaws like focusing in on the underlying soap-opera with the couples marriage, and it  had the typical plot twist fueled by money and greed, but with all that being said, it was definitely worth the time I spent watching it. Of course, as a person that loves to reminisce about my youth by watching cheesy 70s “B” movies, I am a bit biased. The movie does offer some interesting twists and the bloodshed was actually a lot more than expected from a TV Movie. Now, I wouldn’t tell you to run out a buy it, but if it is part of a collection you picked up, give it a chance, there are many worse films out there.

vote it up!