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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Jaws (1975) in Movies
Apr 20, 2022
When you think of classic blockbusters, or classic horror, or classic creature features, Jaws is surely a title that will spring to mind. A true masterpiece of cinema that manages to fit and excel in all of the above categories.
Spielberg completely changed how films were planned and released with what is widely considered to be the first summer blockbuster, and all these years later, it's still an effective rollercoaster ride.
The opening scene is utterly harrowing without a drop of blood to be seen, and sets the tone in a dramatic and iconic manner. After some efficient character introductions, we're straight into one of the most anxiety inducing scenes in cinema history, as Chief Brody sits on a packed beach, scanning the shore for danger. The constant barrage of characters interrupting his line of view and talking at him, over him, over eachother, it's almost unbearable, and is paid off with a truly horrifying moment. It's one of many scenes in Jaws that flaunts some masterful editing.
The second half of the film is essentially the three leads - Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss - all jostling to chew up the scenery. The chemistry between all of them is wonderful, from the thrilling chase of hunting the shark, to them kicking back, trading scar stories and singing shanties, to Quints incredible monologue, to the infamous Ahab-esque climax. It's a joy to watch unfold.
The shark itself has a tendency to look a little goofy by todays standards, but an incredible feat for the time.
Jaws is held in such high regard for a reason. It's a film that truly thrills, scares, and delights its audience in equal measure, and still stands tall almost 50 years later. One of the best of all time.
Spielberg completely changed how films were planned and released with what is widely considered to be the first summer blockbuster, and all these years later, it's still an effective rollercoaster ride.
The opening scene is utterly harrowing without a drop of blood to be seen, and sets the tone in a dramatic and iconic manner. After some efficient character introductions, we're straight into one of the most anxiety inducing scenes in cinema history, as Chief Brody sits on a packed beach, scanning the shore for danger. The constant barrage of characters interrupting his line of view and talking at him, over him, over eachother, it's almost unbearable, and is paid off with a truly horrifying moment. It's one of many scenes in Jaws that flaunts some masterful editing.
The second half of the film is essentially the three leads - Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss - all jostling to chew up the scenery. The chemistry between all of them is wonderful, from the thrilling chase of hunting the shark, to them kicking back, trading scar stories and singing shanties, to Quints incredible monologue, to the infamous Ahab-esque climax. It's a joy to watch unfold.
The shark itself has a tendency to look a little goofy by todays standards, but an incredible feat for the time.
Jaws is held in such high regard for a reason. It's a film that truly thrills, scares, and delights its audience in equal measure, and still stands tall almost 50 years later. One of the best of all time.
Amanda (1 KP) rated The Meg (2018) in Movies
Jan 2, 2019
Jason Statham (1 more)
A Prehistoric shark
Possibly best shark movie since the arrival of Jaws
Contains spoilers, click to show
There is one thing I absolutely love and that is a shark movie, I have seen just about all that is out there however I was somewhat dubious about this film.
With the initial feeling it was jumping on the back of the cult success of the sharknado franchise, I decided to check out the book before the movie and loved it. I went into this movie still a little unsure but by the end of it, I was hooked. Jason Statham, for me was one of the best things about this movie...how many times can we say that he seen him hit a 70ft Shark with a spear and he was a total scene stealer thought everyone was actually really good (think I might be used to the level of acting in things like Ghost Shark).
I think the meg was a much Moreno enjoyable film than expected however due to being released as a block buster does leave it open to criticism from those who love Jaws...if you haven’t already seen it, I would dear recommend it!
With the initial feeling it was jumping on the back of the cult success of the sharknado franchise, I decided to check out the book before the movie and loved it. I went into this movie still a little unsure but by the end of it, I was hooked. Jason Statham, for me was one of the best things about this movie...how many times can we say that he seen him hit a 70ft Shark with a spear and he was a total scene stealer thought everyone was actually really good (think I might be used to the level of acting in things like Ghost Shark).
I think the meg was a much Moreno enjoyable film than expected however due to being released as a block buster does leave it open to criticism from those who love Jaws...if you haven’t already seen it, I would dear recommend it!
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Wentworth Miller recommended Time Bandits (1981) in Movies (curated)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) in Movies
Jan 20, 2021
There is literally nothing I could say that hasn't already been said about Raiders of the Lost Ark, so in short...
Although films such as Star Wars and Jaws had come before, the first Indiana Jones adventure truly set the blueprint for blockbuster cinema. It scared me as a kid, delighted me as I grew a little older, and still rips all these years later. Its influence can be seen in all avenues of popular culture since, and I will never, NEVER forget how Paul Freeman didn't even flinch a millimeter when a fly crawled into his mouth mid line. Cold. As. Ice.
Although films such as Star Wars and Jaws had come before, the first Indiana Jones adventure truly set the blueprint for blockbuster cinema. It scared me as a kid, delighted me as I grew a little older, and still rips all these years later. Its influence can be seen in all avenues of popular culture since, and I will never, NEVER forget how Paul Freeman didn't even flinch a millimeter when a fly crawled into his mouth mid line. Cold. As. Ice.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Meg (2018) in Movies
Dec 4, 2018
Not "So Awful It's Good", just Awful
One of the surprise hits of the summer of 2018 was the "so bad it's good" mega-shark movie THE MEG, starring the impediment of modern-day machismo, Jason Statham. So, when I saw that it was streaming on DirecTV, I thought I'd melt into the couch with a blanket and a beverage of my choice and relish in the over-the-top awfulness that is THE MEG.
Well...I am here to report that THE MEG is awful, just not over-the-top "so bad it's good" awful. It's just awful - and that is an awful disappointment.
I can see the pitch now - THE MEG is "Jaws, but bigger, it's Mega-Jaws! What were the best parts of Jaws? Well, we're gonna do that again, just more!" But what these filmmakers failed to realize is that the best part of Jaws isn't the shark attacking, it's the interaction of the 3 men who go off in search of the shark.
And...the folks that are "fish-fodder" for this big shark just aren't interesting enough. The filmmakers give Jason Statham a PTSD backstory that is forgotten about 2 minutes into the film. His nemesis/former crewmate (a forgettable Robert Taylor) hates Statham's character for about 5 minutes...the stalwart captain is...well stalwart and he is played by "I always melt into the background" Cliff Curtis. Rubie Rose is on-board as the "young genius" who's good looks and youth makes everyone underestimate her - even after she proves over and over again that she is young and a GENIUS. And then, there's good ol' Rain Wilson (Dwight from THE OFFICE) who's the megalomaniacal mega-billionaire who wants to capture (not kill) The Meg for profit.
The problem with all these characters (and others like Masi Oka's homesick scientist) is that they are one-note but not SO one note that they are over-the-top caricatures. They're just boring and forgettable.
As for the shark killings (the real reason that The Meg is intriguing), they are just as boring and forgettable as the characters. Most of them are homages to kills ni the Jaws series of films, so there is some fun in that, but none of them are truly unique and original or over-the-top enough.
The blame, I think, probably goes to "the suits" at Warner Brothers or perhaps Gravity Pictures. There are 3 writers on this, so clearly the script kept getting sent back to the drawing board - and 19(!) producers attached. I heard that Eli Roth was attached at one point and he wanted to make it EXTREMELY graphic and bloody - but "the suits" wanted something they could market to a broader audience, so let him go and hired the always mediocre Jon Turtletaub (LAST VEGAS, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE) to Direct and mediocrity reigns all over.
If you want a "so bad it's good" mega-shark film and check out DEEP BLUE SEA (the Samuel L. Jackson speech in this film is worth the price of admission). And when you see THE MEG on whatever streaming platform you prefer and are prepared to watch it "for a laugh", save yourself the bother (and the boredom) and stream something else.
Letter Grade: C (it is competently made)
4 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Well...I am here to report that THE MEG is awful, just not over-the-top "so bad it's good" awful. It's just awful - and that is an awful disappointment.
I can see the pitch now - THE MEG is "Jaws, but bigger, it's Mega-Jaws! What were the best parts of Jaws? Well, we're gonna do that again, just more!" But what these filmmakers failed to realize is that the best part of Jaws isn't the shark attacking, it's the interaction of the 3 men who go off in search of the shark.
And...the folks that are "fish-fodder" for this big shark just aren't interesting enough. The filmmakers give Jason Statham a PTSD backstory that is forgotten about 2 minutes into the film. His nemesis/former crewmate (a forgettable Robert Taylor) hates Statham's character for about 5 minutes...the stalwart captain is...well stalwart and he is played by "I always melt into the background" Cliff Curtis. Rubie Rose is on-board as the "young genius" who's good looks and youth makes everyone underestimate her - even after she proves over and over again that she is young and a GENIUS. And then, there's good ol' Rain Wilson (Dwight from THE OFFICE) who's the megalomaniacal mega-billionaire who wants to capture (not kill) The Meg for profit.
The problem with all these characters (and others like Masi Oka's homesick scientist) is that they are one-note but not SO one note that they are over-the-top caricatures. They're just boring and forgettable.
As for the shark killings (the real reason that The Meg is intriguing), they are just as boring and forgettable as the characters. Most of them are homages to kills ni the Jaws series of films, so there is some fun in that, but none of them are truly unique and original or over-the-top enough.
The blame, I think, probably goes to "the suits" at Warner Brothers or perhaps Gravity Pictures. There are 3 writers on this, so clearly the script kept getting sent back to the drawing board - and 19(!) producers attached. I heard that Eli Roth was attached at one point and he wanted to make it EXTREMELY graphic and bloody - but "the suits" wanted something they could market to a broader audience, so let him go and hired the always mediocre Jon Turtletaub (LAST VEGAS, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE) to Direct and mediocrity reigns all over.
If you want a "so bad it's good" mega-shark film and check out DEEP BLUE SEA (the Samuel L. Jackson speech in this film is worth the price of admission). And when you see THE MEG on whatever streaming platform you prefer and are prepared to watch it "for a laugh", save yourself the bother (and the boredom) and stream something else.
Letter Grade: C (it is competently made)
4 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Pinball FX3: Universal Classics Pinball
8.0
Rate It
Video Game Watch
Zen Studios is really excited to reveal Universal Classics Pinball™, a new pinball collection...
pinball
Nicholas Sparks recommended Jaws (1975) in Movies (curated)
KerrChung (46 KP) rated Stupendousaurus Rex in Podcasts
Jun 13, 2018
informative (1 more)
real
getting better
2 friends challenge each other to watch movies and discuss them later. Sometimes they are good movies sometimes they are bad. some real life discussions and some toungue in cheeck asides. first time trying a podcast, they are working to perfect their art. If you are a fan of movies they make some pretty good suggestions. starting with episode one featuring The Princess Bride and Jaws. here's the first episode on ITunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-part-1-the-princess-bride/id1398174609?i=1000413627448&mt=2
Check them out at https://www.stupendousaurusrex.com/
twitter https://twitter.com/Stupendous_Rex
facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupendousaurusrex
Gmail. stupendousaurusrex@gmail.com
Check them out at https://www.stupendousaurusrex.com/
twitter https://twitter.com/Stupendous_Rex
facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupendousaurusrex
Gmail. stupendousaurusrex@gmail.com