Spielberg's timeless introduction and all round classic

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2002)

This was the first film that genuinely scared the pants off me. But it is also saddening, to realize that it is because of this film, that sharks now are on the endangered list. But enough philosophy. From the opening scene which has to be one of the most effective in movie history to the final battle between Brody and the beast,the tension never stops. Thats what separates it from the other lesser monster films and earned Spielberg the right to become one of Hollywood's most powerful directors. But just as important is John Williams, whose score would have to be as well known as the American National Anthem.This was the score that allowed his genius to continue with The Star Wars Series and to dismiss it, is just wrong. Overall the sequels(although I did enjoy 2) just couldn't compete with the relentless suspense or pulse pounding power that everyone (from Spielberg to Scheider)were able to project into this monster flick, which created a new breed of monster film.