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Jaws
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Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

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10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider
  • Summary: In 1975, director Steven Spielberg brought Peter Benchley's best-selling novel to the screen with stunning power and unbearable suspense. Jaws left an indelible mark upon the movie-going (and beach-going!) public, distilling a sea of fear from these five words: "Don't go in the water." Once the terror begins, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw must join forces on a desperate quest to destroy a killer embodying nearly three tons of white death. (Universal Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    One of the most effective thrillers ever made.
  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    100
    The first is the best. When it comes to this kind of thriller, no movie has been able to top Jaws, although many have tried. And, as the years go by, it seems increasingly unlikely that anything will come close.
  3. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    40
    Steven Spielberg's mechanical thriller is guaranteed to make you scream on schedule (John Williams's score even has the audience reactions programmed into the melodies), particularly if your tolerance for weak motivation and other minor inconsistencies is high.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 40
  3. Negative: 5 out of 40
  1. TheNewSpielberg
    10
    Jaws is simply one of the greatest motion pictures of all time. Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, the film opened to audiences around the world and apart from receiving critical acclaim, grossed hundreds of millions thanks to word of mouth and clever advertising. Three mediocre sequels followed in 1978, 1983 and 1987 but the original from 1975 is THE definitive suspense film. The plot concerns a small New England holiday resort that is being terrorized by a killer great white shark. The corrupt mayor of the town wishes to regard the numerous shark attacks as boating accidents. However, as the bodies mount it becomes clear to police chief Martin Brody that the problem can no longer be ignored. So, with the help of oceanographer Matt Hooper and crusty old fisherman Quint, Brody heads out to sea on a small boat in order to catch and kill the shark once and for all. Once they get on open sea, the film suddenly becomes a straight out action-adventure film, which is a genius move by both Spielberg and the producers, because in the first half of the film, the tension is slowly built up notch by notch so that when the viewer wants the shark dead too, then the characters decide to do the same and the way it gradually makes the transition is brilliant. Also, one cannot review the film without mentioning the iconic musical score by composer John Williams, a frequent choice in nearly all Spielberg's films. The music represents the mindless attack of the shark and it also is accompanied by some traditional swashbuckler music in the less suspenseful moments. The film's other big claim to fame is the fact that it had one of the most troublesome shoots in film history. The three mechanical sharks constructed for the film rarely worked, and when they did it was only for a short while. The reason for having three sharks was so that the filmmakers could exercise their control over the shark. The cast is superb also, with Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss all giving their signature performances. However, the star of the show, as all learned movie buffs know, is really the shark. The film was released on June 20th of 1975 and quickly became the most popular film of all time at that time. It set the record for summer blockbusters since, grossing over 400 million dollars and shooting Spielberg to international fame. Overall, a classic chiller that belongs in every DVD collection. (10/10)… Expand
    • 9 of 9 users said yes
  2. AdamR.
    10
    Best movie of all time!!!!!
    • 5 of 6 users said yes
  3. JordanC.
    0
    Dull and boring thoughts wonder through your head once the movie is finished, people might think its a classic, but its bad quality of such script, story, effects, designs, and time frame creation, this is a techinal bore that is so unintelligent and dull.… Expand
    • 1 of 5 users said yes

See all 40 User Reviews

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