The world of movie franchises is a tricky one to navigate. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to expand upon a beloved story and delve deeper into its characters and universe. But on the other hand, it can also lead to a lukewarm reception and the downfall of what was once a successful and beloved original. And while there have been many movie franchises that have fallen into this trap, there is something especially disappointing about the Jaws franchise.
For those who are unfamiliar, the Jaws franchise is based on the iconic 1975 film by Steven Spielberg. The original Jaws was a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and becoming one of the most recognized and celebrated movies of all time. With its gripping story, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking special effects, Jaws set the standard for what a summer blockbuster should be.
But unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its sequels. From Jaws 2 to Jaws: The Revenge, the franchise has been plagued with disappointing storylines, lackluster performances, and a noticeable decline in quality. So why exactly is the Jaws franchise considered the worst in Hollywood history? Let’s take a closer look.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the success of the original Jaws was largely due to Steven Spielberg’s skillful direction and storytelling. His attention to detail and ability to create tension and suspense made the movie an instant classic. But as the franchise continued, Spielberg’s involvement was severely diminished, leaving a noticeable and detrimental impact on the subsequent films.
Another major issue with the Jaws franchise is its failure to deliver on the very thing that made the original so successful: the shark. In Jaws 2, the filmmakers attempted to recreate the fear and thrill of the first movie by introducing a different, larger shark. However, this decision ultimately fell flat, as the new shark lacked the same menacing presence and believability of the original.
This pattern continued in the subsequent films, with each installment trying to outdo the previous one by introducing a bigger, more dangerous shark. But by doing so, the franchise lost sight of what made the original so special – the idea that a seemingly ordinary creature could become a terrifying and deadly predator. Instead, the franchise became reliant on cheap thrills and over-the-top action scenes, disregarding the underlying tension and suspense that made the first movie so successful.
It’s also worth mentioning the lack of continuity and coherence within the franchise. While the original Jaws had a clear and concise storyline, the sequels seemed to stray further and further away from the original concept. Jaws: The Revenge, in particular, has been criticized for its nonsensical plot and implausible actions taken by the characters.
But perhaps the biggest downfall of the Jaws franchise is the fact that it simply couldn’t live up to the expectations set by the original. The first film was so groundbreaking and beloved that any subsequent films were destined to fall short. This created a cycle of disappointment and an inability to recapture the magic of the first movie.
In conclusion, the Jaws franchise may have started off strong, but it ultimately fell victim to the many pitfalls of a movie franchise. From a lack of involvement from the original director to a reliance on cheap thrills and a failure to deliver on the very thing that made the first film so successful, the franchise has become a prime example of how not to handle a beloved original. While we may always have the first Jaws to remind us of what could have been, it’s clear that the subsequent films have tarnished the legacy of this once-great franchise.
