With Jaws, Spielberg redefined what a blockbuster and horror could be at the same time. Today, Jaws is not really considered scary, but there is still a massive amount of suspense and tension throughout. It does not hold up as well as when it first released, but it's influence cannot be understated. Although, Jaws does not hold up to well nowadays, there is still a great story, with well created characters, with good cinematography and special effects.

Jaws tells a story about an enormous shark eating people at a beach and how a few dedicated people overcome it and kill it. The basis of the plot may seem simple, but the way it is handled by Spielberg causes it to be very well done. You find out more about the shark, it's intentions, mindset and weaknesses as the plot progresses. Viewers also get to sea how the Amity Island's people react to Jaws over time, first thinking it as a sort of myth and then realising what a massive threat Jaws poses. The 3 main characters the movie focuses on are the Police Chief of Amity Island, a shark scientist and a grizzled, but experienced shark hunter. All three characters come from diverse backgrounds and are well characterised as their conversations in the boat where they track Jaws and when they face the shark head on really develop these characters. Jaws has a very solid plot and fantastic characterisation.

The overall atmosphere of Jaws is filled with tension and suspense. The overall horror tone of this movie is non-existent today due to some of its technology and horror aesthetics being outdated. This is one of my main issues with Jaws because it was advertised to me as a horror film. I only think this is a flaw because of how much it has aged. The special effects have aged better than it's horror elements though. The Jaws robot itself looks slightly fake but otherwise I enjoy it as everything was filmed practically and there was not any CGI like every action movies includes nowadays. The moments where Jaws appears are also memorable as well as he appear unexpectedly and there is always a great scene that ensues.

Overall, for it's time Jaws was a fantastic movie and it has aged pretty well with only a few minor issues really coming up. There could have been a little more characterisation for some side characters as well, but that is minor to my overall enjoyment. Jaws is a classic blockbuster and redefined the definition of one as well, as there are horror elements included in this film. Jaws is not going to scare me from going into the ocean, but instead invites me back for another watch.