Horror fans across the UK are in for a classic slice of cinematic infamy this evening, as the BBC schedules a broadcast of the much-debated sequel, Jaws The Revenge. Airing on BBC Four at 11pm on December 31, the film is celebrated by a dedicated following as the ultimate 'so bad it's good' experience.
A Legendary Franchise's Controversial Chapter
The film represents the fourth instalment in the iconic shark series that began with Steven Spielberg's ground-breaking 1975 original. Following Jaws 2 in 1978 and Jaws 3 in 1983, Jaws The Revenge was released in 1987. The plot centres on Ellen Brody, played by Lorraine Gary, who reprises her role as the widow of Chief Brody. Devastated after her son is killed by a great white shark, Ellen travels to the Bahamas to stay with her other son, Michael, portrayed by Lance Guest.
There, she meets the charming pilot Hoagie Newcombe, a role taken on by Hollywood legend Michael Caine. Just as Ellen finds solace and a new romance, a monstrous great white shark appears off the coast, seemingly intent on continuing its vendetta against her family.
Critically Panned But Beloved as a 'Guilty Pleasure'
The film's production was notoriously rushed, reportedly completed in under nine months, with critics at the time noting a lack of coherent screenplay. It was widely panned and failed to capture the critical or commercial success of the franchise's earlier entries. Despite this, Michael Caine earned a substantial $1.5 million for his involvement.
Over time, however, the movie has cultivated a significant cult status. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, fans passionately defend it as a misunderstood gem. One viewer awarded it three stars, commenting, "One of my biggest guilty pleasures. Its a film that is soo fascinatingly bad that it needs to be studied... its concept is so batshit insane that I can't look away."
Another supporter argued, "Always felt this was treated on unfairly... it better then Jaws 3." This sentiment of it being a fun, if flawed, family film with emotional moments is shared by a segment of the audience who appreciate its sheer audacity.
Divided Opinions From Cinema Buffs
Not all viewers are so forgiving. The film remains a lighting rod for debate among movie enthusiasts. Some critics see it as a prime example of a franchise pushed beyond its limits. One detractor stated bluntly, "Horrible film. This sorry chapter in the franchise is easily the worst. The plots dumb, the actors or bad, and the shark just follows everyone around."
Another questioned its very premise, asking, "Why a shark would seek revenge,it's trash. It's not even so bad it's good." This sharp division in opinion is precisely what fuels the film's enduring notoriety and makes its television broadcast an event for fans of quirky cinema.
Whether you view it as a disastrous misstep or a hilarious guilty pleasure, Jaws The Revenge promises to make a splash on BBC Four tonight, offering a fittingly eccentric end to the year for film lovers.
