Iffy for 12+
Five-star movie could scare the pants off kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although the small screen lessens its impact, this movie can terrify as much as it entertains. It's not as gruesome as today's horror movies, but it may be too intense for sensitive preteens, especially those who have a fear of swimming in the ocean.
- Families can talk about the fact that this movie is considered the first official "summer blockbuster." What other blockbusters can you think of? What do they have in common? Also, how does the movie build suspense?
- What's scarier -- a monster you can see, or one you can't? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: An edge-of-your seat suspense flick with heart but little substance.
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Role models: The three male leads are clever, determined and like-minded.
What to watch for
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Violence: Only violence of the nature-versus-human variety, but it gets fairly gruesome, with thrashing, foaming blood, and severed body parts. This is scary stuff. That's one big man-eating fish, who escalates suspense by remaining hidden a good portion of the ti
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Sex: A bit of semi-revealing female skinny-dipping.
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Language: A hearty fistful of expletives.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of adult social drinking and a drunken beach party.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
20 Years Later and JAWS Still Has Bite by stevepep123
22 years ago JAWS was the first Hollywood blockbuster but doesn't seem dated today. With special effects and wonderfuly suspenseful directing by Steven Spielberg, this movie will creep you so much you'll avoid the ocean all summer long.
5
Classic thriller! by MattAtOrange
One of my favorites of all time. It was released just a couple of months before I was born, so this was the first time I've seen it on the big screen. Its no surprise that this was the very first blockbuster, it delivers on every level. Forget the sequels, this is the only one you need.
5
JAWS is a Must see by Dezra
I am 33 and have never seen this film... it has everything... humor, saddness and perfect suspense!!!
5
JAWS = Best Man vs Nature Flicks EVER! by lugubriousthespian
Steven Spielberg did just about everything right in this splendid popcorn entertainment of a newly appointed police chief, cocky young ichthyologist, and a grizzled veteran fisherman who set out to locate and kill a great white shark that's been terrorizing a small New England island vacation community. The thrills and shocks are elegantly paced with an engaging adventure and enhanced by beautifully wrought performances by the three leading men; Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw. Of course the famous John Williams score is heart palpitating as are the wonderfully orchestrated action scenes of mass chaos, underwater encounters with the deadly fish and the hair-raising climax! All in all - one of the best of the Spielberg cannon!
5
Jaws by pkodland
It was awesome! The theater was packed and the original previews were fun to watch. Definitely worth staying up until 2:30am. Best movie line ever, "I think you need a bigger boat".