An Unparalleled, Terror-evoking Stroke of Genius

Rating: 9/10 (22 April 2019)

Jaws is coming up on its 45th anniversary and, despite numerous sequels, imitations, and tributes, retains its tital as one of the best horror films of all time. It needs no introduction. It fulfills all the requirements of a great scary movie: a phenomenal score, a great cast, a well-written story and a frighteningly relatable premise to boot. It builds tension and dread in a flawless manner and keeps up the mystery throughout a good portion of the film. Few other movies in existence have affected the subconscious of the human population as this one has. This movie is so iconic and memorable that one literally has to hum two notes from the movie's score to evoke fear in all who hear it.
Flaws? Not many. The nearly-half-century-old robotics show their age just a bit, but this is forgiveable. A few situations are a tad unbelievable at times, but at the end of the day, one simply needs to ask: "Why hasn't anyone been able to make a good shark movie in the past three decades?" The answer is simple: because Jaws exists. It set the expection bar at astronomical heights, heights that have not since been (and quite possibly never will be) reached.