Friendly reminder that Jaws 2 is actually a pretty great sequel. Spielberg passed on directing because he was having a Close Encounter, but journeyman-filmmaker Jeannot Szwarc works the material just swimmingly.
J2 is technically a nearly flawless film, despite lacking “The Spielberg Magic”. Other crew and most of the cast do return. Producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck, composer John Williams and production designer Joe Alves, and in front of the camera Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton all signed up for another lap.
Even Dreyfuss – who was out filming Close Encounters with Spielberg – makes a clever cameo appearance of sorts when Scheider’s Chief Brody attempts to seek his help again, but learns his scientist-buddy is out on an expedition.
Other than that, the story basically picks up right where it left off three years earlier. In fact, the first two films fit together so seamlessly, that it’s tempting to create Jaws: The Ultimate Four-Hour Cut just for the superfans.
It occurred to me that the Jaws sequel and I both will be celebrating our 45th birthday this year. I salute you, Jaws 2! And while I’m quite sure you’ll still be going strong in another 45 years, I hope the same goes for me…
Seek it out & get your fix.
#thescreenaddict
#film
#series
#celebrateart
#nobodyknowsanything
#contentrecommendation