Skinny girl takes a dip. Shark in the water... Here comes the slaughter.

Steven Spielberg - one of the great masters of adventure - would show the world just how talented he was as a director, with his exceptionally well made tale of a man hungry beast of the sea. That film was Jaws. And it was so well told, and so frightening, that it really did make you afraid to go back in the water.

Even to this day, it's still striking fear into its audience, both young and old. Granted, it doesn't quite pack the same punch as it did back in the day, but it's still scary never the less. It certainly scares me... Even at this age. Call me crazy or go ahead and say I'm a big baby - but, since having seen this film, I can't even put my head under the water when I take a bath without getting the shivers. And I can't even take a night swim in my pool without having to look over my shoulders every now and then. Eventually, I overcome the fear. But, each time I take a swim or a bath, Jaws is always in the back of my mind. I have, John Williams to partially blame for that. As his immortal score still haunts me with an immortal dread of the water.

Thanks a lot, Williams!

On to other matters. The cast all give very fine performances - Scheider, Dreyfuss and Shaw are magnificent! And the film's script is magnificent as well (The fact that it was written by the book's author only adds to its appeal and authenticity). And by far, what has to be one of - if not the greatest - aspects of the film is its pacing. And the way it - accompanied by Williams' score - carries the audience through the events happening onscreen, is just brilliant.

I have barely scratched the surface of this epic masterwork of thrills and terror. There are so many things in this film that are truly praise-worthy. One of the most obvious ones being Big Bruce - the real star of this horrifying, seaside campfire tale. The work and passion that went into making Bruce come alive is nothing short of inspiring. He is alive. He is the stuff of nightmares. And he looks so damn real. Other than a few shots were you can see the strings that come together, Bruce's animatronics are meticulously crafted. And they're a truly amazing sight to behold. Can't say those things about the rest of Big B's family, now can you?

Look at me! I'm sitting here writing this review, talking about Bruce like he's a living breathing thing! Well... Such is the power of this film. It makes you believe in its protagonist - or should I say antagonist? - as if he/it was a real living thing.

Overall, Jaws is a one of a kind creature-feature experience. It manages to thrill. Scare. Excite. Wow. And - at the same time - keep you fully engaged in its story and character interactions. Which is a rarity for a film of this field.

If you haven't seen this miraculous wonder of terror, then you're among the very few who hasn't. If that's the case, I think it's about time you took a dip...

Trust me... It's safe to go in the water.