Jaws

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2007)

I was reprimanded for comparing Peter Benchley's novel to "Moby Dick." Jaws may not be the world in microcosm, but it did well at the box office. The main characters are strong. Richard Dreyfuss is the shark expert. Robert Shaw is the seasoned fisherman. Both complement and contrast with ex-cop Roy Schieder. The shark almost takes on a supernatural quality as he menaces the three men in their boat. Great whites grow up to 20 feet. They are killing machines despite the claims of environmentalists. Australian waters have the most shark attacks. The sequels definitely took away from the original. Hollywood needs to quit while it is ahead.