Welcome back to our “My First Frights” series! This time, we’re diving into the underwater world of terror with the 1987 classic “Jaws: The Revenge.” Join us as we take a closer look at the fourth installment of the “Jaws” franchise and experience the heart-pounding suspense and fear that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or new to it, this film promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Prepare to face the jaws’ terror once more!
We are all familiar with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. It’s the film that popularized the summer blockbuster and made millions of people afraid to swim (even in their own swimming pools). With the success of Jaws came a slew of ripoffs and sequels, and I must confess (with a shudder) that I saw one of those sequels before seeing the original. It was one of “My First Frights” to see the sequel, Jaws: The Revenge.
It was a typical Friday when I got home from school and went to the video store with my mother. I came across a VHS box while browsing the shelves that showed a massive shark rising out of the waves, preparing to attack a ship in the foreground. The picture caught my eye right away, got me interested, and made me decide that this would be my Friday night movie.
I popped in the tape while sitting on the couch in the living room and was instantly transported to the wintery waters of Amity Island to witness Sean Brody’s vicious shark attack. I had no idea that these characters had a deep and complex backstory and that this attack was meant to be very emotional because I had never seen the original and didn’t really understand the concept of sequels at the time. All I knew was that I was witnessing some brutal shark carnage and that I was completely engrossed.
From the cold shores of Amity all the way to the Bahamas, I was completely enthralled by what I was seeing on screen. I was terrified at the sight of Lance Guest’s Mike Brody being stalked by the shark through the ruins of an old ship and thrilled when he made his daring escape. I was shocked to see a woman attacked and bursting like a pack of gourds as she was bitten, and finally, I believe I must have let out an audible cheer as the shark, which I had simply been calling Jaws the entire time, was hit by a boat and mysteriously blew up.
I became acquainted with the other films in the series as I grew older and fell in love with the original, which I watch every Fourth of July… or really whenever I feel the need to see an absolutely perfect film. That said, there is still a special place in my heart for Jaws: The Revenge. Is it a good film? Absolutely not, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a fun watch and full of enough entertaining visuals and over the top performances (especially from Mario Van Peebles as Jake) to keep it a frequent repeat in my household.
About My First Frights
“My First Frights” is a nostalgic series that transports you back to your first encounter with the world of horror. Each episode offers a personal retelling of an individual’s first experience with fear, from the suspenseful build-up to the heart-stopping finale. Join us as we revisit classic horror films that shaped our perceptions of terror and relive the thrill. “My First Frights” promises to bring back the chills and thrills of your first encounter with the macabre, whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the genre. Prepare to relive the terror!
About the Film
“Jaws: The Revenge,” directed by Joseph Sargent, is a 1987 American horror film. Critics mostly panned the film, criticizing its plot, special effects, and the absence of the original lead actor, Roy Scheider. Despite the criticism, the film was released on July 17, 1987, and grossed $70 million worldwide, making it the most successful installment in the “Jaws” franchise. Despite its commercial success, “Jaws: The Revenge” is widely regarded as one of the franchise’s worst films.
You can watch or purchase Jaws: The Revenge the movie on Amazon.
A horror fan since birth and proud of it.
