Jaw 3: Should You Stream or Skip It?
At one point, there was buzz about a new approach to the third installment of the Jaws franchise, perhaps even hinting at a comedic twist. However, various script issues, rating uncertainties, and even some pushback from former director Steven Spielberg played a role in the project, which had initially been in the hands of Joe Dante. Ultimately, the series became known for its sequels in the 80s. The actors from the previous films weren’t brought back for this 3D production, rather it involved a new design team and a different crew. Interestingly, the marketing lasted longer than the film itself. Alongside movies like Friday the 13th Part 3, Jaws 3 reinforced the idea of cheap 3D sequels. So, I wonder, will anyone still be watching Jaws 3 in a few decades? Is it just a low-cost film, or can it be seen as an entertaining shark sequel?
What You Need to Know
Sea World Park in Orlando had a shaky start, right? It’s almost like it tells a story about the harsh treatment of ocean life for human amusement. In the context of Jaws 3, it creates a less-than-great atmosphere with killer sharks invading the park. Mike Brody, the son of characters from the first two movies, played by Dennis Quaid—who seems to have aged in a way that’s hard to ignore—is working as an engineer at SeaWorld. The park’s new tunnels become the perfect spots for giant sharks to sneak around and wreak havoc.
What Does It Remind You Of? A sketchy family vacation? That’s how it feels. Jaws 3 is definitely not like the original, but honestly, it’s almost charming in its own bizarre way. If there’s a chance for any Jaws sequel to succeed, it may mirror those 80s horror films with their campy vibe.
Standout Performance: Louis Gossett Jr. plays the park manager who seems more interested in selling tickets than capturing the shark. It’s not a career highlight, but he brings some energy and fun to the otherwise lackluster cast.
Sex and Skin: The standards of a PG film from 1983 differ significantly from today. While this film dabbles in exploitation, it doesn’t delve too deeply. Despite some teen antics from Mike’s younger brother, Sean, things remain fairly tame.
Notable Dialogue: Mostly, the dialogue falls into the category of being unintentionally amusing. At one point, Mike refers to the great white shark as a “murderer,” which feels a tad over the top.
Our Take: Let’s be real—Jaws 3 isn’t a great film. Moving the setting to Florida as they ran out of ideas for the original island setting feels a bit desperate. While SeaWorld adds some novelty, it’s really just a nod to limitations of filming in the ocean. Despite advancements since the original, the effects here look very much like they did back in 1983. It’s silly, bordering on absurd, especially with the characters casually selling tickets for a shark encounter. Comparing Jaws 3 to its predecessor feels a bit unfair—it’s more like the awkward stepchild of the franchise that struggles to find its footing.
Our Verdict: If you’re in the mood for something cheap and campy, Jaws 3 might be worth a watch. But honestly, for anyone with reasonable expectations, skipping it might be best. They probably should’ve gone for a spoof instead.
