‘You’re gonna need a bigger boat’
I love a good shark film, but sometimes the worst shark films have the best endings.
It was 1975’s Jaws that started it all and created the first summer blockbuster experience. With Star Wars following in the same pattern 2 years later in 77. The Jaws sequels that followed may just have been as terrifying for all the wrong reasons. The sequels consisted of re-hashing similar plot treads, awful 3D effects and even a Michael Caine who reluctantly flies a plane. However, its these elements that make this franchise the most unique series in cinema history.
The endings from each film get progressively worse, which makes them a lot of fun to explore. The first ending is just perfect but it all went downhill from there.
After the hugely successful Jaws, it was of course a matter of time before Hollywood would think about cashing in on this immensely successful idea. Audiences and critics loved the first film, with it scoring a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. In my opinion, Jaws 2 is the second best, then Jaws 3 and Jaws 4.
The original has the best ending, but the others have some pretty interesting ideas on how to kill a shark. This article will guarantee a few laughs and will baffle every living scientist out there. Lets start with the original.
1) Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s nightmare production schedule turned out to be just as scary as the real cinematic experience was for audiences. This is an original well crafted horror summer blockbuster. Not only does this have the best ending in the franchise but it is one of the best endings in film history. Its just Chief Brody and the shark, battling it out on who can outsmart one another. It’s classic man vs shark. We are fully rooting for Chief Brody throughout the film.
He places an oil tank into the sharks mouth as the shark is making an attempt to eat him. He then climbs on top the of the boat with a rifle, whilst the boat starts to sink. The shark swims towards the boat and he aims just right, firing a bullet into the sharks mouth which causes the tank to explode. The escalade of tension is accompanied by the one and only John Williams. We then see him ride off with Hooper in the distance. It was the perfect payoff for one long big hunt for such a big nasty shark. See you later Bruce.
This masterpiece is available to stream on Netflix UK.
2) Jaws 2 (1978)
3 years following the original, we have Jeannot Szwarc’s Jaws 2. This is a decent sequel, its nothing magnetic or awful, its a typical by the books Hollywood film. The ending see’s him rescuing a group of college students, who’s fun boat trip turns into a nightmare, when they are attacked by the fierce great white shark. Sounds familiar, right?
what’s not so familiar is the ending as its completely insane. Chief Brody had a rifle in the first film, he now has electricity. Wow, did matters escalate.
What I still like about Jaws 2 is that the shark is still practical. Many shark films today make the mistake of using a CGI shark. We also still love Chief Brody and his character is still the same. I hope no one tries this in real life. What a bad way for the shark to die.
3) Jaws 3
Now we get to the good stuff. Jaws 3 may be the best worst 3D film ever made, starring Dennis Quaid, who plays Chief Brody’s son, Mike Brody. Jaws 3 was filmed at the SeaWorld in Orlando, which tells you everything you need to know about the film’s plot.
A great white breaks into the theme park, devouring victims along the way. The SeaWorld has an under water facility. This is where the ending takes place. I cant explain how bad the ending is, you just have to see it for yourself. Their goal is to diffuse a bomb from a dead body who is still inside the shark. What could possibly go wrong?
4) Jaws: The Revenge
We now have the last and worst entry in the franchise and this times it’s personal, apparently. The screenplay and story is dull and dreary. We have the iconic British Michael Caine, but not even him can save this film from falling into a pit of despair. It was only recently, he admitted to not even watching the entire film and saw the picture as a paycheck to pay of his housing costs.
The ending is by the far the most memorable part of the film. I don’t know where to begin. For a start, we have Chief Brody’s wife re-live events to which she had’nt experience. Before killing the shark, she gets flashbacks from the finale scenes of the first film. Logic isn’t the film’s strongest point. With that said, how does the shark die?
To this day, I’m still not sure how they managed to kill it.
What’s even worse, is that they use footage from the original explosion from the first film into this film.
Conclusion
I recommend watching all of the films just for the endings, they provide a lot entertainment for action audiences and shark enthusiast. Although, I think Jaws The Revenge has the most memorable ending out of all the jaws films. But, having spent time watching these films, there really is no right or wrong answer. Its more of competition between the 3rd and 4th.
You can buy all of the films on Amazon.
What’s your favorite ending?
Author bio
Sam is a content writer. He loves all elements connected with film and writes with passion, always. You can find him on his Linkedin, where you will be able to read more articles. When he is not writing, you can find him practicing football.
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