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Associate Producer/Production Designer/Second Unit Director - Joe Alves
Producers - Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown
Technical Advisor - Fred Zendar
Art Directors - W. Stewart Campbell and Gene Johnson
Set Decorator - Phil Abramson
Costume Designer - Bill Jobe
Director of Photography -
Michael C. Butler
Live Shark Photography - Ron & Valerie Taylor
Unit Production Manager - Bill Badalato
Production Manager - Tom Joyner
First Assistant Directors - Scott Maitland and Don Zepfel
Second Assistant Directors - Katy Emde and Beau Marks
Stunt Coordinator - Ted Grossman
Special Mechanical Effects - Roy Arbogast and Robert A. Mattey
Film Editors - Steve Potter,
Arthur Schmidt and Neil Travis
Sound - James R. Alexander
Sound Re-Recording - Robert L. Hoyt
Sound Effects Editor - James Troutman
Music - John Williams
Review
When Jaws came out in 1975, visitors to the beach were so terrified by the film that they were afraid to go into the water. It was a career boost for young Steven Spielberg as he would later direct big successes like Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schneider's List, Jurassic Park, and others. Meanwhile, JAWS 2 came into being without Spielberg's involvement in 1978. Due to the first instalment's success, Universal was keen to capitalise on its popularity, and audiences asked for more bite-sized thrills. Looking back at the sequel, it's just your typical shark movie, and there's nothing new and more thrilling than the original. What also disappointed me about the film is that Richard Dreyfuss didn't return (which is why he refused to return without Spielberg).
While a decent director, Jeannot Szwarc, falls far short of Steven Spielberg's standards. He doesn't have as much enthusiasm as Spielberg did when he filmed the first Jaws movie. All things considered, he did a decent job with the material at his disposal. The plot is too similar to that of the original film. Yet, the suspense of the first instalment remains, especially in the second half. The shark appears as good as it did in the first one. However, its behaviour is more akin to that of a serial killer than an enraged beast. Even the teenage characters are rather one-dimensional. You don't get to know many of them well enough to care whether they survive or become shark food.
The ensemble cast is solid, with Roy Scheider's performance as Chief Brody standing out in particular. The only reason Roy agreed to appear in this sequel was that he remained under contract with Universal for multiple films. According to outside sources, JAWS 2 was his way out of that situation, even if it meant clashing with the new director.
The series should have ended when Roy Scheider refused to continue playing the role. While this sequel may appear to be a cash-in on the original film, the poor quality of the following two films proves that this is indeed the case. JAWS 2 was so popular with audiences that it didn't need any more follow-ups.
Although it's not as good as its predecessor, JAWS 2 is undoubtedly the least disappointing of the series and the only watchable sequel. I'd recommend this to fans of the original.
British actor Terence Stamp has died at the age of 87. He was best known for his roles as General Zod in the first two "Superman" films and Bernadette in "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."
Born on 22 July 1938 in Stepney, East London, to a working-class family, Stamp initially attended a grammar school before embarking on a career in advertising. After winning a scholarship to study at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, he secured his first film role in "Billy Budd" in 1962. He later received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for Most Promising Male Newcomer for the movie. Stamp subsequently starred in "The Collector," "Modesty Blaise," and "Far From the Madding Crowd," as he emerged as one of the most prominent icons of 1960s London. He had romantic relationships with supermodel Jean Shrimpton and actresses Brigitte Bardot and Julie Christie, the latter of whom was his co-star in "Far From the Madding Crowd."
In 1978, after being out of work for eight years, Terence Stamp jumped at the opportunity to play the malevolent Kryptonian General Zod in Richard Donner's "Superman" and its sequel, "Superman II." Stamp's role as Zod was not his only appearance in a DC Comics production, as decades later, he lent his voice to Jor-El in the 2000s TV series "Smallville."
Stamp appeared in several mainstream films during the 1980s, including "Wall Street," "Young Guns," "Legal Eagles," and "Alien Nation." He shared the screen with John Hurt and Tim Roth (making his debut) in director Stephen Frears' 1984 crime film, "The Hit."
In 1994, he impressed critics and audiences alike with his groundbreaking portrayal of trans woman and drag queen Bernadette Bassenger opposite Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce in the Australian road comedy "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," which earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. In 1999, he played Supreme Chancellor Valorum in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," which he later described as a "dull experience." That same year, he was also one of the actors in the comedy "Bowfinger" opposite Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy. He also starred in Steven Soderbergh's crime thriller "The Limey," playing an English criminal who comes to the US to uncover the truth behind his daughter's death. For this role, he earned more recognition.
After appearing in "The Phantom Menace" and "The Limey," Stamp made further film appearances in "Red Planet," "The Haunted Mansion," and "Elektra," in which he played the blind sensei Sticks alongside Jennifer Garner as the eponymous Marvel Comics assassin.
In recent years, he appeared in films such as "Wanted," "Get Smart," "Yes Man," "Valkyrie," "Big Eyes," "The Adjustment Bureau," and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children." His last film role was in the 2021 psychological thriller "Last Night in Soho," directed by Edgar Wright. In addition to appearing on television and stage, Stamp also lent his voice to video games, such as "Halo 3" and "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion."
Dear moviegoers and fellow critics, it is with a heavy heart that I must convey the unfortunate news that has led us to this point. David Stratton, 85, a veteran film critic, writer, and lecturer known for his decades-long collaboration with Margaret Pomeranz on Australian television, has passed away. I never had the chance to meet him in person, but I wish I had because I would have loved to chat with him about his style of film critique.
David Stratton was born in England in 1939. He immigrated to Australia in 1963 as part of an initiative known as the 'Ten Pound Poms' migration scheme. His passion for film began in his youth and blossomed into a career that garnered acclaim from the industry's most renowned figures.
Between 1984 and 2004, he appeared alongside Margaret Pomeranz on SBS's "The Movie Show," using a format popularised by US film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Together, the duo became a fixture of Australian culture, regularly appearing on screen to offer their opinions even though many viewers had no intention of watching the films in question. In particular, the disagreements between Strattom and Pomeranz proved memorable – to the extent that viewers identified as either a "David person" or a "Margaret person."
In 2004, Stratton and Pomeranz began hosting "At the Movies" on ABC, a role they held for a decade before stepping down in 2014.
In 2015, Stratton earned the title Member of the Order of Australia. However, among his many achievements, arguably the one he was most proud of was his lifelong battle against movie censorship, which he fought long after ceasing to appear on the Australian screen.
After 30 years of hosting TV programmes, 35 years teaching world cinema at the University of Sydney, and 33 years writing reviews for The Weekend Australian, Stratton announced his retirement in 2023 due to poor health.
Here is a clip of his infamous review of "The Castle."
Hollywood is in danger of losing its audiences due to its recent reliance on remakes, reboots, cash-grab sequels, and unsuccessful attempts at creating franchises, which have threatened to undermine its standing. Thankfully, it's all about to change with the blockbuster release of F1, which embraces the classic storytelling conventions that Hollywood has forgotten. As you know, Formula One is the world's most popular motorsport. It has experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, thanks to the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. However, I was never a fan of this huge racing event, as I only watched the Supercar races at Mount Panorama.
Riding the wave of success from Top Gun: Maverick, Joseph Kosinski returns to deliver another thrilling spectacle in F1. Kosinski expressed interest in directing a racing film after the one about the 1966 Le Mans event, featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, fell through due to budget concerns. That movie later became Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold and starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the lead roles. His regular collaborators from the previous film, including writer Ehren Kruger and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, return to assist him with this latest outing, thus reassembling the dream team. But one question remains? Will this movie offer a cinematic experience similar to Kosinski's offering from 2022? The answer is yes.
While the film is similar to the director's previous movie, it reminds me of Days of Thunder, as both films fall under the description of "Top Gun on wheels." Interestingly, Bruckheimer and legendary composer Hans Zimmer worked on that film before F1. Unfortunately, the biggest issue within F1 is its plot, which relies on familiar narrative beats from other inspirational sports movies because it is formulaic and predictable. However, its complex character moments, depth, and themes of resilience, redemption, the pursuit of greatness, and the power of teamwork make up for it. Lewis Hamilton's involvement as a producer is evident, with his guidance playing a pivotal role in ensuring the authenticity of the racing scenes. This commitment to accuracy extended to even the subtle details, such as the gear changes made during cornering.
Acting legend Brad Pitt headlines the cast, lending his magnetic charm and effortless charisma as the veteran race driver Sonny Hayes. The two-time Oscar winner's passion for racing is evident in his character, whose enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. Like Tom Cruise before him, he is one of the last movie stars of his generation. Although he was 61, he still kept his rugged good looks for the part. Damson Idris excels as the overconfident young driver, Joshua Pearce, adding depth to the role with his precise facial expressions and an air of confidence that matches Sonny's. The chemistry between him and Pitt is explosive, with a "veteran versus rookie" dynamic that evokes the intensity of a high-speed race.
Javier Bardem shines as struggling team owner and former Formula 1 driver, Ruben Cervantes, a role that could have amounted to mere bravado. Kerry Condon steals the show as technical director Kate McKenna, who acts as the team's voice of reason. Additionally, the Irish actress shares romantic chemistry with Pitt on screen. Formula One fans will recognise Hamilton and his peers, such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, in short cameo appearances during the off-track scenes.
The movie stands out for its consistently exhilarating racing scenes, which provide an adrenaline rush for racing fans and propel the narrative forward at top speed. Claudio Miranda's cinematography establishes the film's realistic visual style. Whereas the cockpit camerawork in Top Gun: Maverick is impressive, F1 takes it to the next level, delivering an immersive, high-impact viewing experience. The editing and sound design are top-notch, enhancing the racing sequences quite well, as do the film's striking visuals. Hans Zimmer, who incidentally composed the score for Rush, another Formula One movie, delivers a killer, heart-pounding, electric score featuring songs by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Ed Sheeran, and others.
Arguably, F1 is a full-throttle sensation for audiences that captures the visceral thrills of the motorsport and is close to dethroning Ford v Ferrari as the best racing movie. It's an absolute reminder of why I love popcorn movies. Whether you're into cars or not, this is a must-see film.
Australian actor Julian McMahon has died. He was 56. The actor rose to fame in the television series "Charmed," "Nip/Tuck," and "FBI: Most Wanted," but perhaps he is best known for his portrayal of the supervillain Doctor Doom in the original "Fantastic Four" duology.
McMahon was born in Sydney in 1968. He was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William "Billy" McMahon. Despite coming from a political background, the actor always enjoyed being in the spotlight and has never followed his father's footsteps by entering politics or becoming a Liberal Party powerbroker. McMahon studied law at the University of Sydney. But his natural good looks secured him modelling gigs. He worked as a model in fashion hotspots such as London, Paris, and Milan until his father passed away in 1988. Following this, he left Europe to return to Australia. In the late 1980s, McMahon first appeared on the short-lived Seven Network soap opera "The Power and the Passion," playing Kane Edmonds. It marked his foray into acting. His next role was Ben Lucini in "Home and Away," which he played from 1990 to 1991.
He embarked on his feature film career with a role in the 1992 comedy "Exchange Lifeguards" (renamed in the US as "Wet and Wild Summer!") opposite Elliot Gould. He progressed to US television, appearing in shows such as "Another World," "Profiler," and "Will & Grace." Wider recognition came when he played the half-human, half-demon assassin Cole Turner in the hit supernatural series "Charmed," appearing in the show from 2000 to 2003, with a brief return in 2005. Later, he appeared in the racy medical drama "Nip/Tuck" as the arrogant plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy. From 2003 to 2010, the show lasted for six seasons and earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination. In 2005 and 2007, he portrayed the Marvel supervillain Doctor Doom in the two films of the "Fantastic Four" franchise by 20th Century Fox.
The actor also appeared as special agent and team leader Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama "FBI: Most Wanted" for three seasons before exiting the show in 2022. His other film roles include "Chasing Sleep," "RED," "Faces in the Crowd," and "The Surfer."
McMahon was married three times. His first marriage was to Australian singer Dannii Minogue in 1994, and his second to actress Brooke Burns, with whom he has a daughter.
The gravel-voiced character actor Michael Madsen, who often played sneering tough guys in Quentin Tarantino's films, such as "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill," died. He was 67. Marsden has racked up dozens of screen roles in an acting career of more than 40 years. However, he most frequently collaborated with Tarantino, who selected him for roles, such as a deranged thief in "Reservoir Dogs" and a washed-up hitman in the two "Kill Bill" movies.
Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Michael is the son of a firefighter and a filmmaker. Virginia Madsen, an Oscar-nominated actress, was one of his siblings. His professional journey began at Chicago's renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of John Malkovich. This experience opened the door to minor film roles, such as "WarGames" and "The Natural." Madsen's subsequent breakthrough came with the low-budget crime thriller "Reservoir Dogs," a film that launched Tarantino's career and contributed to the transformation of the Sundance Film Festival from a small-scale event to a major Hollywood hotspot.
His performance as the psychotic and trigger-happy Mr. Blonde secured Madsen an everlasting place in film history. He famously played Budd, a former elite assassin who eventually finds himself working as a low-rent bouncer and living in a trailer, in "Kill Bill: Volumes 1" and "2," which allowed him to showcase his dramatic talents.
Madsen collaborated with Tarantino on the violent western "The Hateful Eight" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."
Madsen also appeared in other films, such as "The Doors," "Thelma & Louise," the family film "Free Willy," "Donnie Brasco," the 2002 Bond movie "Die Another Day," "Sin City," and "Scary Movie 4." Additionally, Marsden has voiced characters in video games such as "Grand Theft Auto III," the "Dishonored" series, and "Crime Boss: Rockay City."
The English film and television actor Kenneth Colley has died. He was 87. People mostly remember him for playing Admiral Piett, an Imperial officer in command of Darth Vader's flagship in the two "Star Wars" movies, "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." The actor's agent confirmed that he had died peacefully in his home in Kent, UK, after falling ill with pneumonia following a bout of COVID-19.
At the start of his career, he had roles in episodes of "The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes," "Special Branch," "The Sweeney," and "Pennies from Heaven." Colley became part of the "Star Wars" saga in 1980, when he played one of Darth Vader's Imperial officers in "The Empire Strikes Back." In 1983, the actor would reprise his role in "Return of the Jedi." In later years, Colley returned to voice the character in the 2012 animated TV movie "Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out."
Additionally, Colley played Jesus in the 1979 Monty Python film "Life of Brian" and appeared in numerous productions by director Ken Russell. Colley also starred in other movies, including Clint Eastwood's "Firefox," "War and Remembrance," "Measure for Measure," "Return to Waterloo," "The Whistle Blower," "The Plot to Kill Hitler," and "The Rainbow." In 2007, he directed the horror movie "Greetings," which featured Kirsty Cox, Henry Dunn, and Ben Shockley.
Production Companies 
Budget: $30,000,000
