Can't top it.

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2002)

The best way to watch this film.
OK, buy a small cabin cruiser. Say, 25 feet. (Hey, I didn't say the cheap way, just the best way.) Get a 19 inch TV, and a dvd player. Put your boat in the marina; tie it to a pier, as long as it's in the water. Cuddle up with someone you like, grill some fish, have some wine, pop some corn...turn the volume up, feel the boat rock, as the theme comes up...perfection!
Spoiler, Last paragraph
OK, with the DVD out now, watch this film a few times. Watch each and every character. Down to the extras. You won't find a weak performance. The deputy, the chief's kids, no matter where you look, everyone is solid. (Even Peter Benchley, in his first acting role.)
The late Robert Shaw was a marvel in this piece, again, Oscar-worthy. Roy Scheider, Richard Dryfuss, everyone was at their best.

Mr. Spielberg did an amazing job, most assuredly Oscar-worthy. This is the only movie I've ever seen where the audience leapt to their feet and gave a standing ovation at the end. (When the shark blew up, and AGAIN when credits rolled.) And a rousing cheer when Hooper popped up from below.
I've been to theaters where the audience clapped, cheered, groaned, and had no reaction. Never before or since have I seen a legitimate standing ovation for a film.
What a great movie.