This is a pretty darn good film, but....

Rating: 8/10 (29 December 2003)

This film just never did anything to me. This is surprising considering that I think it is very well made in almost every way. I was an outcast on this movie when it first came out because I must have been the only being on this planet that did NOT rush to see it. But I heard about it every damn day for months. After the hysteria died down and a few years later I viewed it. I couldn't figure it out. It was a very good film but it was nowhere as good as everybody made it out to be. So, I must face it. I am immune to this movie. Nevertheless, I think it is very much worthwhile viewing and would recommend it. The characters are good and almost cliche by some of todays Spielberg standards. The acting is top-notch and convincing. The story is almost too easy to follow - it's practically a template for future similar movies. And, yes, there are quite a few tense moments with the occasional body-part cameo. The shark? Yeah, Ok it is convincing when it needs to be. In fact, this movie has probably single-handedly put the kibosh on the rest of the world's remaining shark population forever. More people die from being kicked by horses every year than by encounters with sharks - but this movie got people worried. I suppose you could classify this movie as having cultural impact as well. Not a bad feat for a film. I give this film a good rating but I tend to not go out of my way to see it. It's kind of an Irwin Allen-on-meth-and-it's-a-sunny-day-type film.